Falles: A Festive Vibe
What are Falles?
Falles is a traditional celebration that takes place in the region of Valencia, Spain. It is a festival that honors Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. The celebration is known for its elaborate street decorations, music, fireworks, and parades. The main attraction of the festival is the construction and burning of enormous cardboard and wooden sculptures called «fallas.» These sculptures are often satirical in nature, poking fun at politicians, celebrities, and current events.
History of Falles
The origins of Falles date back to the Middle Ages when carpenters would burn their wooden workbenches and leftover scraps on the eve of Saint Joseph’s feast day. Over time, this tradition evolved into a larger celebration involving the entire community. The festival has continued to grow in popularity and scale, with each neighborhood in Valencia competing to create the most impressive falla. In 2016, Falles was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Traditional Activities
During Falles, the streets of Valencia come alive with a variety of activities and events. Each day of the festival is filled with parades, concerts, firework displays, and traditional dances. The most anticipated event is the daily mascletà, a deafening display of fireworks and explosions that takes place in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Another highlight of the festival is the Ofrenda de Flores, where thousands of falleras (women dressed in traditional Valencian costume) parade through the streets to offer flowers to the Virgin Mary.
The Burning of the Fallas
The culmination of Falles is the «Crema,» or burning, of the fallas on the night of March 19th. Each neighborhood selects one falla to be saved from the flames, known as the «falla infantil.» The rest of the sculptures are set ablaze in a spectacular display of fire and fireworks. The burning of the fallas symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of spring, as well as the cleansing of past mistakes and starting anew.
