Falles Festival: A Gastronomic Journey

The History of Falles Festival

The Falles Festival, also known as Las Fallas, is a traditional celebration held in Valencia, Spain, every year in March. The origins of this festival date back to the Middle Ages when carpenters would burn pieces of wood they used to hang their candles on during the winter months. Over time, this tradition evolved into a larger celebration that included the burning of large wooden structures called fallas.

Today, the Falles Festival is one of the most popular events in Valencia, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. The festival lasts for several days and features parades, fireworks, music, and of course, delicious food.

Gastronomic Delights of Falles Festival

One of the highlights of the Falles Festival is the food. During the festival, the streets of Valencia are filled with food stalls selling traditional Spanish dishes such as paella, churros, and buñuelos. Visitors can also sample local delicacies like horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, and fideuà, a seafood dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice.

In addition to street food, many restaurants in Valencia offer special menus during the festival, featuring traditional dishes with a modern twist. Some popular dishes include arroz a banda, a rice dish cooked in fish broth, and esgarraet, a salad made with roasted red peppers, salt cod, and garlic.

Wine and Spirits of Falles Festival

No celebration in Spain would be complete without wine and spirits, and the Falles Festival is no exception. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Spanish wines, including the famous Valencian wines made from the local grapes Bobal and Monastrell.

In addition to wine, visitors can also sample traditional Spanish spirits like Agua de Valencia, a cocktail made from cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin. Another popular drink during the Falles Festival is mistela, a sweet wine made from grape must and fortified with brandy.

Sweet Treats of Falles Festival

No festival in Spain is complete without sweet treats, and the Falles Festival is no exception. Visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious desserts, including turron, a nougat made from almonds and honey, and churros con chocolate, fried dough served with a rich chocolate sauce for dipping.

Another popular sweet treat during the festival is bunyols, deep-fried pastries dusted with sugar and filled with cream or chocolate. Visitors with a sweet tooth will also enjoy the wide variety of traditional pastries and cakes available at local bakeries and pastry shops throughout Valencia.