Falles: A Time for Remembrance

Falles: A Time for Remembrance

Falles, also known as Las Fallas, is a traditional celebration in Valencia, Spain, that takes place every year from March 15 to March 19. This festival is a time for the people of Valencia to come together to remember and honor Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and to celebrate the arrival of spring.

The Origins of Falles

The origins of Falles can be traced back to the Middle Ages when carpenters would burn their old wooden tools and scraps of wood to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Over time, this tradition evolved into the elaborate and artistic displays of papier-mâché sculptures, known as ninots, that are burned at the end of the festival.

The Celebration

During Falles, the streets of Valencia are filled with colorful parades, music, fireworks, and the smell of traditional Valencian cuisine. Each neighborhood in the city constructs its own ninots, which can be as tall as 20 feet, and displays them in the streets for all to see. Throughout the week, there are various events and competitions, culminating in the burning of the ninots on the final night of the festival.

A Time for Remembrance

While Falles is a time of joy and celebration, it is also a time for remembrance. The burning of the ninots symbolizes the passing of time and the transient nature of life. It is a reminder to cherish the present moment and to honor those who have come before us. As the flames engulf the sculptures, the people of Valencia reflect on the past year and look forward to the future with hope and optimism.