The Uniqueness of Falles

The Uniqueness of Falles

Falles is a traditional celebration that takes place in the city of Valencia, Spain, every year in March. This festival is known for its elaborate street decorations, colorful parades, and impressive fireworks displays. What makes Falles unique is the way in which the whole city comes together to participate in the festivities.

Elaborate Street Decorations

One of the most distinctive features of Falles is the elaborate street decorations that can be found throughout the city. Each neighborhood constructs their own «falla,» which is a large sculpture made out of wood, cardboard, and papier-mâché. These sculptures can reach heights of up to 20 meters and are often satirical in nature, poking fun at politicians, celebrities, and current events.

Colorful Parades

During the week-long celebration of Falles, the city is filled with colorful parades that feature traditional costumes, music, and dancing. The most important parade is the Ofrenda, where thousands of people dressed in traditional Valencian attire parade through the streets to offer flowers to the Virgin Mary. This procession is a stunning display of color and culture that is not to be missed.

Impressive Fireworks Displays

Another highlight of Falles is the nightly fireworks displays that light up the sky over Valencia. These fireworks are set off in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and can be seen and heard from all over the city. The most spectacular display takes place on the final night of the festival, known as La Nit del Foc, or the Night of Fire, where the fireworks reach dizzying heights and explode in a dazzling array of colors.