FALLAS
WHAT ARE LAS FALLAS?
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
From March 1 to March 19, Valencia celebrates Las Fallas, a festival that combines tradition, satire, and art—an event you absolutely should not miss.
Las Fallas is Valencia’s most famous celebration and has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The name refers to the spectacular sculptures made of wood and papier-mâché that are displayed throughout the city’s streets and squares for public admiration before ultimately being consumed by fire. In addition to the large fallas, there are also much smaller children’s fallas designed by and for young participants.
The origins of Las Fallas can be traced back to an old tradition among carpenters. To celebrate the arrival of spring, they burned the wooden supports used to hold their oil lamps outside their workshops on the night of March 19.
Over time, they began adding old household items and rags to these cleansing fires, giving the wooden structures a human-like appearance and creating the first Ninots (figures). The Valencian sense of humor soon gave these figures the satirical and critical character that still defines them today.
Today, Las Fallas has evolved into a form of ephemeral art, with some monuments costing millions of euros to create.
The passion of the Falleros and Falleras has transformed Fallas week into a celebration filled with countless activities: traditional (and not-so-traditional) music, tons of fireworks, emotional religious ceremonies, street paellas, and much more.
WHAT IS THE MASCLETÀ?
The Mascletà is a fireworks spectacle unlike any other—something that must be experienced to be truly understood.
It is usually held during the day at 2:00 PM, although nighttime Mascletàs also take place. For several intense minutes, a carefully choreographed sequence of explosions grows progressively louder and faster, filling the air with the smell of gunpowder and causing both the ground and the spectators’ hearts to vibrate.
Mascletàs are an essential part of every major celebration in Valencia and a central feature of Las Fallas, taking place daily from March 1 to March 19 in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
WHAT IS THE OFRENDA?
The Ofrenda de Flores (Floral Offering) to the Mare de Déu dels Desamparats—Our Lady of the Forsaken—is the most emotional event of Las Fallas. It takes place on March 17 and 18 in Plaza de la Virgen.
During the ceremony, Falleros and Falleras parade through the city carrying carnations, which are placed on a large wooden structure representing the Virgin, affectionately known as “La Geperudeta”.
As the flowers are added, they gradually create a magnificent and colorful floral cloak whose design changes every year. The procession itself is a spectacular sight thanks to the participants’ traditional Valencian costumes and the accompanying music.
