If you are on your holidays in Valencia during the period 15-19 March 2012 then you are in for a great time as Valencia's largest annual fiesta and one of the best-known in Spain - Las Fallas - is due to take place.
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.
Las Fallas Festival in Valencia is not for the faint hearted. It kicks off in March with much sound and fury in celebration of both the end of winter and St Joseph's feast day. A stay in the city to join in the fun can be booked with us - flying from London Stansted on 17 March and with 2 nights in a well-placed 4 star hotel, at a price of £307 per person.
Whilst renowned for its bold, futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia keeps in touch very much with its history and traditions. At 2pm on every day of the festival [15-19 March] firecrackers are set off, with neighbouring groups competing for the most impressive volley. Displayed on every corner all over the city are huge, colourful paper-mache sculptures. In the final stages these are paraded through the streets and finish up in a blaze of glory in a grand finale complete with fireworks.
The 4 star Melia Valencia Hotel is adjacent to the City of Arts and Sciences and offers an excellent spa, including a dynamic pool and Turkish Bath, a terrace and garden and highly rated cuisine. All the attractions of the city, traditional and modern, are easily accessible.
The price from £307 is per person based on two sharing 2 nights accommodation on a room only basis and includes return from London Stansted.
If you are in Valencia on the 27 June - which is race day - why not take advantage of watching the Grand Prix from a private boat.
The party is from 11:00 - 16:00 and sails from 11:00 until 13:30. Then enjoy the race atmosphere from the harbour ... the boat has onboard plasma screens to see the race .... and watch the cars just 60m from the boat.
Free open bar with rum, lambrusco wine, beer and soft drinks all day long. Included is exclusive catering by Gabbana Beach and live music. Hurry - limited spaces are available at £155 per person.
Just give us a call on 0800 5 677688 or send an enquiry.
