Fallas Valencia

If you have never seen a Falla being erected or being burnt, it is something that is well worth seeing. A year's work for 5 days of glory and then it all goes up in flames.

In translation, la plantà means something like “finishing touches”. It is actually the moment when the Falla’s top part is finally put in place. Since the Fallas are higher and more spectacular every year, the positioning of these pieces has become a difficult task which may take several days and which is observed with great expectation by dozens of onlookers.
Over time, the expression has become generalised: the “plantà” is now taken to be the exact moment when the Falla is completely finished and ready to be visited, with all its “ninots”, posters and various details (grass, lights, explanatory signs, etc.)

This takes place on the night of March 15th. You can see the video of the ‘Plantá’ of this year’s First Prize Winner below: Falla Convento Jerusalén

In contrast to the Plantà, which marks the proper start of the Fallas Festival, the Cremà marks its finish.
It is probably the most popular event internationally and the one that gives the concept of “Fallas Fiesta” its full meaning: the monuments are exhibited in the street to be burnt. That is their fate and, at the same time, their grandeur.

In the small hours between the 19th and 20th of March, enormous pyres burn around the whole city. The splendid monuments, which a few hours before stood proudly in the streets and squares, are reduced to ashes amidst the clamour of hundreds of people who attend the ritual every year.

Symbolically, the “Falleros” throw everything that is considered to be superfluous, harmful or simply unusable onto the bonfire and, by doing so, aim to make a new start and regenerate the spirit. This objective has always been the basis of this kind of pagan rite, since ancient times. Below you can  see the burning of this year’s First Prize Winning Falla: Falla Convento Jerusalén 

Planta Convento Jerusalén - How a Falla is erected

The Burning of the Falla Convento Jerusalén - Part 1 & 2

Valencia loves doing things to the extreme, especially in Fallas and street lighting is no different. One particular area in Valencia has taken street lighting to another level where they compete year in and year out for the most spectacular lighting show. If you haven’t seen this before it is quite something.

The first time I saw these streets decorated I was literally blown away and it is something that I always try and make an effort to see each year. The neighbourhood of Ruzafa is literally another world in Fallas. The millions of light bulbs, now LEDs, used to dress the street is breath-taking and I have no idea how the locals manage to get any sleep if they don’t have shutters, the sheer amount of light given off is blinding and puts most Christmas decorations to shame!

Just the other day was the official “lighting” of the streets and the crowds united to see the favourites, Calle Cuba-Litorato Azorin and Calle Sueca-Litorato Azorin, two eternal rivals in this competition. However, the winner was announced and this year there was a surprise winner: Calle Cuba-Puerto Rico. The second and third prize was taken by the all-time favourite respectively. I must admit I haven't seen the light show which won the first prize yet and from the photos, it doesn't seem as impressive as the other contenders but my opinion will have to wait until I get to see it in person....I'll update this post later.

First prize

Lights Falla Cuba-Puerto-Rico 2018

Second Prize

Lights Falla Cuba-Literato 2018.

Third Prize

Lights Falla Sueca-Literato Azorín 2018

Fourth Prize

Lights Falla Malvarrosa-Ponz-Cavite 2018

Daytime fireworks display - daily for a month!

Mascletà Sunday 11 Marzo 2018