If your college frat party featuring Zac Efron and his Neighbors wolfpack chugging kegs of beer is the best experience of your life, it’s time you head to Valencia and change that. The Las Fallas celebration is a combination of art, fireworks and chaos. The result? A rowdy and raucous street party that lasts for more than two weeks.
The origin and background of Las Fallas
These crazy art installations promise to be a source of creative inspiration.
This celebration came about just before spring, when local crafters used wooden planks called parots to support their source of light, at dusk. To build the fire, these parots were made from old wood and neighborhood junk. To further feed the flame, rags and hats were used to give the parot a human like form, similar to what a scarecrow looks like. Thus, giving birth to the popular ninot form used in today’s Las Fallas celebrations.
Join Spain’s crazy street party
These quirky works are always a crowd puller.
From March 1st – 19th, the Fallas week continues with gunpowder explosions at 2pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Also known as the Mascleta, you can fit right in by filling in the streets with a drink or two. For newbies, try your hand at the agua de Valencia. This seemingly harmless concoction with triple sec, vodka, cava and orange juice, promises to pack a punch.
Is that you Aslan, and the cast of Narnia?
The celebrations continue with the installations of the ninots on the night of the 15th, with the prize giving taking place two days later. Meanwhile, be ready for a spectacular treat with fireworks decorating the Spanish sky, all the way up to the 18th.
Get ready for a massive bonfire on the 19th.
The 19th day signals the end of the festival, but the best is certainly saved for this day. For the main event, all the installations are set ablaze, into a massive bonfire party. Throw on a couple of Guy Fawkes masks, and this could easily be the start of the next Purge film series; all of which only adds to the spectacle of this incredible party.
Valencia: Spain’s artsy travel destination
The stunning City of Arts and Science is not to be missed.
Spain’s third largest city is perhaps its most livable one. This artsy city is saturated with creative inspiration, especially via its building architecture. The City of Arts and Science is the flag bearer of Valencia’s thriving arts scene. This massive complex accommodates the work of talented local artists, Europe’s largest aquarium and has also served as the setting for a Doctor Who episode.
The La Lonja building displays some of the finest works of art in the city.
The city’s reputation as a craftsman’s dream is also enhanced by the La Lonja building. This UNESCO World Heritage Site once served as Valencia’s silk commodity exchange and is now a fantastic site for Gothic architecture.
The iconic dome of the Mercado Central.
For the best of both worlds, step into the Mercado Central. Here, satisfy your cravings for tasty treats while you soak in the vibrant design. For a moment you can be excused for mistaking this market as a massive, elaborate church with a majestic dome at the heart of it.
Check out this specially curated likebox if you can’t get enough of Valencia and the wild Las Fallas. Additionally, read up on our world travel series, where we explore countries with our stunning photography.