Falles: A Celebration of Life

Falles: A Celebration of Life

Falles is a traditional celebration that takes place in the city of Valencia, Spain, every year in March. It is a festival that honors Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and celebrates the arrival of spring. The main event of the Falles festival is the creation and burning of elaborate sculptures called ninots.

The History of Falles

The origins of Falles date back to the Middle Ages when carpenters would burn pieces of wood that they used to hang their candles on during the winter months. Over time, this tradition evolved into the creation of elaborate sculptures that were eventually burned on the feast day of Saint Joseph. Today, Falles has become a major event in Valencia, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The Creation of Ninots

Months before the start of the Falles festival, neighborhood associations and groups of artists begin working on the creation of the ninots. These sculptures can be as tall as 20 feet and are made of wood, papier-mâché, and other materials. Each ninot is a satirical representation of a political figure, celebrity, or current event, and often includes humorous or critical messages.

The Burning of Falles

On the final night of the Falles festival, all the ninots are paraded through the streets of Valencia in a grand procession. At midnight, the sculptures are set on fire in a spectacular display of fireworks and flames. This burning symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as well as the cycle of life and death.