Attend the Fallas festival in Valencia in March

The etymological origin of the word "falla" comes from the Latin facula, meaning small torch. This word refers to the town's carpenters, who used to burn their useless pieces of wood outside their workshops on 19 March to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Over time, they added old objects and rags to the blaze, giving the pieces of wood human figures. The word "falla" takes its etymological origin from the Latin facula (a facule in French) meaning little torch. This word refers to the town's carpenters, who used to burn their useless pieces of wood outside their workshops on 19 March to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Over time, they added old objects and rags to the brazier, giving the pieces of wood human figures.

The Valencians, known for their humour, quickly combined fun with criticism, turning these little characters into caricatures of society. Today, the fallas have become veritable ephemeral works of art, and some are even worth thousands of euros! All the works are on display from 16 March, known as "la plantà des fallas", to be admired, commented on or criticised by the people of Valencia for 4 days. They are then burnt at the end of the festival, on the night of 19 March, during the "cremà des fallas", starting at 8pm.

Enjoy the "mascletà" (fireworks show), which lasts throughout the festival. The concept? Every day at 2pm, in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, thousands of firecrackers called "masclet" are thrown to the ground when the Fallera Mayor (Queen of the Fallas) pronounces her classic "Senyor pirótecnic pot començar la mascletà".

A word of advice: if you have sensitive hearing, take some earplugs with you! 120 decibels are often reached... at the very least, remember that you need to keep your mouth slightly open to avoid damaging your hearing!

Prize-giving: the fallas are all marked by the public. On the morning of the 17th, it's time for the prize-giving ceremony! The Fallas queens and their committees walk to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to collect their prizes.

Fireworks and Nit del Foc: from 15 to 19 March, spectacular fireworks are set off at midnight on the Paseo de la Alameda. The show reaches its climax at dawn on 18 March, during the "Nit del Foc", when pyrotechnic feats are displayed in the sky.

Flower offerings: on 17 and 18 March, the falla committees stroll from their neighbourhoods to the Plaza de la Virgen to make an offering of flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados (Virgin of the Helpless), patron saint of Valencia. From 4pm until late at night, thousands of flowers are laid in offering. Come to the square after two days of offerings: you'll be enchanted by a unique olfactory experience!