The Crafts of Falles

The Crafts of Falles

Falles, also known as Las Fallas, is a traditional celebration held in Valencia, Spain, every year in March. The festival is known for its elaborate displays of ninots, which are large papier-mâché figures that are created and displayed in the streets. These figures are often satirical in nature, poking fun at politicians, celebrities, and other public figures. The highlight of the festival is the burning of these ninots in huge bonfires known as «cremà.»

Creating the Ninots

The creation of the ninots is a highly skilled craft that requires a great deal of creativity and attention to detail. Artists spend months designing and building these figures, using a variety of materials such as wood, plaster, and papier-mâché. Each ninot is unique and often reflects current events or popular culture. The artists take great pride in their work, and the competition to create the best ninot is fierce.

Parades and Celebrations

During the Falles festival, the streets of Valencia come alive with parades, music, and fireworks. The ninots are paraded through the city streets, accompanied by costumed dancers and musicians. Crowds of people gather to watch the procession and admire the intricate details of the figures. Each ninot is judged on its artistic merit, creativity, and relevance to the theme of the festival.

The Burning of the Ninots

The culmination of the Falles festival is the burning of the ninots in the cremà. On the last night of the festival, the figures are set on fire in a spectacular display of flames and fireworks. This symbolic act represents the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The burning of the ninots is a bittersweet moment, as the artists have put so much time and effort into creating them, but it is also a time of celebration and renewal.