Las Fallas, Valencia's grandest street festival and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016, has triumphantly returned after two years. Revel in traditional mascletaes, the flower offering, open-air dancing, and dazzling fireworks. The festivities officially launch with 'La Crida,' lighting the Fallas fuse on the last Sunday of February. The climax unfolds from March 15 to 19, as city streets burst with intricate art, sharp humor, and satire crafted by master artisans.
Tracing its roots back centuries, Las Fallas honors Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters, celebrated annually on March 19. Carpenters once burned workshop remnants to bid winter farewell and welcome spring. Evolving while preserving its essence, the festival now features monumental ninots—towering satirical sculptures erected on March 15 across Valencia's streets and province. These masterpieces, crafted by skilled fallero artists alongside musicians, pyrotechnicians, costume makers, and florists, embody the festival's vibrant spirit.
After a canceled edition and a scaled-back event in September, Las Fallas rises anew, illuminating Valencia's streets with unprecedented energy. COVID safety protocols remain in place: masks are mandatory indoors and at outdoor events where distancing isn't feasible. Explore the full programme for an unforgettable experience.
The thunderous mascletà captivates daily at 2 p.m. in Plaza del Ayuntamiento through March 19. Evening fireworks light up the Turia Gardens, while the plantà on March 15-16 nights installs 800 unique monuments across 400 sites. Categorized by size, complexity, and creativity, the finest grace Ciutat Vella, Ruzafa, and Gran Vía. Opt for a guided Fallas tour to uncover traditions and details from local experts. Awards ceremonies follow on March 16-17, with bands parading victorious committees to the town hall.
The emotional pinnacle is the flower offering to Valencia's patroness, the Virgen de los Desamparados, on March 17-18. Falleros in traditional attire procession through the streets with floral tributes, accompanied by marching bands, culminating in Plaza de la Virgen where her statue's mantle blooms with millions of flowers. The finale, the cremà on March 19, sees ninots ablaze starting at 8 p.m. for smaller ones and 11 p.m. for specials, including prizewinners. Fireworks herald the end of one cycle and the dawn of the next—a mesmerizing ritual essential for every visitor.
Credits: Visit Valencia
Discover all information about Las Fallas at visitvalencia.com.
