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Las Fallas is a festival in Spain dating back to the Middle Ages. Celebrating the beginning of spring, it takes place annually from March 1st to 19th in Valencia. During the festival, giant puppets (fallas) and smaller effigies (ninots) are displayed throughout the city.
From the 15th to the 19th, the festival becomes lively and crowded. On the final night, all the effigies are burned in a bonfire in front of the public.
Some highlights of the Las Fallas 2023 festival.
One of the most unique aspects of the Las Fallas festival is the ninots. These are puppets dressed in striking costumes and displayed throughout the city. In addition, the festival is known for its vibrant parades and fireworks displays. In recent years, Las Fallas has become increasingly popular, attracting a large number of tourists from many countries around the world.
One of the most striking images from the Las Fallas festival in Valencia.
The Planta - A contest for creating puppets.
Each neighborhood was busy creating their entries throughout the first half of March. Then, on the 16th, the judges visited each home to select those with the most impressive creations. They also selected the ninots that were rescued from the fire.
Behind each falla lies a unique message. This message will be "revealed" by the creator of the artwork, or by the local people living in the area.
Ofrenda - Flower Offering Ceremony
The flower offering, or "ofrenda," is a procession from each neighborhood throughout the week. The final stop is at Virgen de los Desamparados (more commonly known in Valencia as Geperudeta, or the hunchback), the patron saint of Valencia, in Plaza de la Virgen. During this event, men wear elaborately decorated traditional costumes while women wear magnificent gowns.
Nit del Foc - The biggest fireworks display of the festival.
Bands parade around the city at all hours of the day (including at night), and fireworks are set off most late evenings. On the night of the 18th, at around 2 a.m. (sometimes even at midnight), the biggest fireworks display takes place, known as 'Nit del foc' - a massive fireworks show at Paseo de la Alameda.
Mascleta - Daily Fireworks Display
This is the daily fireworks display that takes place at 2 PM during the Las Fallas festival at Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The display lasts approximately 8 minutes and features spectacular and explosive fireworks. The sound of the exploding fireworks is so loud that it can create an earthquake effect, causing the ground to shake right beneath the feet of attendees.
La Crema - The most impressive event of the festival
La Crema is the biggest and most important event in Las Fallas de Valencia. This event takes place on March 19th – when all the fallas are burned, also marking the end of the Las Fallas festival.
La Crema - The most special event in the Las Fallas festival.
Some impressive images from the Las Fallas Festival 2023.
The materials used to make ninots/fallas are also incredibly diverse, with creative decorations.
These Fallas are composed of many different figures, with vibrant colors, rather complex textures, and multiple storylines.
An incredibly impressive decoration featuring faces with various expressions.
An incredibly elaborate and meticulously crafted model.
A falla takes inspiration from wild animals.
This Falla is inspired by Star Wars.
