Local Festivals

 

THE FALLAS OF VALENCIA:

The most amazing festival in Spain, maybe in Europe,  words cannot describe what a massive event this is.

Every year  Las Fallas festival takes place  from 15th to the 19th of March  attracting as many as 2 million visitors during the  celebrations.

Originally they were dedicated to  St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters,  but noways they have evolved into a multifaceted  celebration involving art, music, parades, fireworks, gastronomy and religious devotion.

The main attraction of the fiesta is the exhibition and final burning of Fallas, which are massive monuments made of cardboard, wood, paper-machè, cork, polyurethane and plaster . The Fallas are satirical and they  depict  current events and make fun of local and foreign celebrities.  The beauty and wittiness of these works of art is unmatchedd a joy to admire.

Besides the burning of the Fallas, there are many other activities during the fiesta.

Everyday at 2 pm several ” Mascletas” (organised pyrotechnical explosions)  are heard all over the city, the main one being held at Playa Ayuntamiento ( Town Hall Square).

And every night   there is a firework display at the Turia Gardens , the most spectacular one taking place on the night of  18th to 19th which is called  the Night of Fire – ‘La Nit de Foc’.

During the five days  you can enjoy an extensive roster of bullfights, parades, paella contests and beauty pageants around the city.

Ofrenda de Flores.

La Crema.

 

SAN JUAN

RUNNING OF THE BULLS:

Spain is the only one place in the world where you can go to wake up early for a week and be chased through narrow streets by angry, one-ton animals that might well trample or gore you without a second glance.

In the Valencian region, compared to San Fermines in Pamplone, the bulls are not directed towards any bullring , instead they are let loose in the street for around 20/ 30 minutes. Then another one is let loose, and then another one, and so on..!

The bulls are not killed (as in the case of bull fights) and  you can watch them from very close.

Even though they can take place throughout the year, they are most usual during local festivals (normally in Spring/Summer).

MOORS AND CHRISTIANS:

The festival of Moors and Christians is a very old tradition that dates back to the 16th century. It commemorates the confrontation that took place between Moorish and Christian soldiers in the 13th century over the rule of Spain.

Streets decked out like the Middle Ages, magnificent processions, exciting mock battles… days filled with magic, legend and spectacle. For over four centuries, this festival has recreated the historic clash between the  two cultures. Year after year  thousands of people take part in this unique festival, all trying to outshine each other in splendour and brilliance.