A Fallas is a huge creation made of papier-mache which are paraded around the town, and neibourhoods compete to produce the best Fallas. They can depict anything from cartoon characters, politicians, buxom ladies, animals, etc. Each Fallas has a mini-version known as a Ninot. Each evening, firecrackers blast our over Plaza de l'Ajuntament and bullfights are held.
On the 18th March a statue of Mare de Deu dels Desemparats [Mary of the Helpless], patron saint of the city, is honoured with a spectacular offering of flowers.
At the end of the festival, huge bonfires take place where all the models are placed on the bonfires with the only exception of the winning Fallas which is saved from the flames [only the Ninot is saved - the large scale version is still placed into the fire].
Dating back to the Middle Ages, when carpenters used to light a bonfire in honour of Sant Josep, their patron saint. Gradually, effigies were thrown into the fire, but nowadays the creations take all year to build.
If you want to find out more about Las Fallas, there are two museums devoted to the festival:
Museu Faller/Museo Fallero:
Located in Plaza Monteoliverte 4
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-15:00 and Sunday / Bank Holidays 10:00-15:00
Museu del Gremi d'Artistes Fallers / Museo del Gremio Artistas Fallers [showing how the Fallas are made]
Located in Avenida San Jose Artesano
Open Monday-Saturday 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-19:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:00
If you would like to experience Las Fallas and need hotel accommodation in Valencia, just give us a call, or take a look at our hotels in Valencia.
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