Enjoy “Las Fallas” in Valencia, a festival in honour to the carpenters
March 19th normally signifies the day of “Las Fallas” in Valencia (Las Fallas traditionally meaning “Torch” – but there are various other meanings of the word nowadays). It is also celebrated Father’s Day, which has been celebrated in Catholic countries of Europe, on this day as the feast of Saint Joseph since as early as 1508, and we are still celebrating it in style.
The Festival of Las Fallas is also dedicated to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. It comes from a centuries, old Valencian tradition in which the city’s carpenters would burn old materials they didn’t need or want anymore, on the day before or on the day of St. Joseph (March 19).
Fallas in Valencia are held around the spring equinox
They would also burn the wooden instruments used to hold up the oil lamps they needed to use to work at dusk or night. Since the festival is held right around the spring equinox, at this point of the year the days lasted longer and the extra hours of sunlight meant that the carpenters didn’t need the light of the oil lamps to work.
As the celebrations have grown over the years, so too have the Festivities. “Las Fallas” statues are set at various points (there is normally a map produced by the Fallas Association) around the city and until you have seen them in person, no picture or photo enables you to comprehend their magnificence, the hours of dedication and devotion and the costs (all raised throughout the year) by the various Penya’s (clubs).
Yet the various Penyas and Institutions in Valencia do it every year in order to make their Falla “The Best”. The burning of these magnificent Bonfire Structures means that the Town of Valencia swells to accommodate 1.2 million people all vying for a picture with these wonderful wood and Papier mâché Statues.
What can you do during “Las Fallas”?
They are then ceremoniously set alight, bands playing and the crowds applauding and burned to the ground. This day is known as ”La Crema”. And if you have never heard a traditional Mascaleta Ceremony, you would not be disappointed here at the Fallas in Valencia.
At 14.00 every day the week before the event until the burning, everywhere throughout the city, these small “Canon-like” fireworks can be heard echoing and resounding through the streets as if you were enclosed in a cavern: smoke spiraling like veins amongst the tall buildings of Valencia.
The sound is quite deafening if you happen to be too close. Here is some advice: stay away from small boys with lighters during the day.They are normally “heavily armed” with these Mascaletas and get great delight in frightening any unsuspecting tourist.
What is the Prize for the best Falla? Well ironically, the winner is the only Falla that isn’t burned to the ground and historically, it is been placed in the “Museu Faller de València” which is open daily at the Plaza Monteolivete, 4, 46006 Valencia where you can view some of the past winners of this competition.
If you are thinking of buying a property in Altea, Jávea, or other areas of the Costa Blanca, do not hesitate to contact Costa Blanca Investments. You will be very close to Valencia to enjoy these festivities and the properties will not leave you indifferent.
