Old Habits... Evolve
It lasts a week — from March 15 to 19 — and is the result of a year of hard work. Not surprising, the Fallas of Valencia is one of the most anticipated events (and not only in Spain). Fiesta of Internacional Tourist Interest and candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fallas are deeply rooted in the hearts of Valencians.
Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that, with the arrival of spring and the long days, the carpenters made a bonfire to get rid of parots — oil lamps supported by wooden arms. The fire was also harnessed to burn old furniture and debris accumulated during the year.
Art Doomed to Flames
For months, carpenters, sculptors and painters — artistas falleros — build ostentatious ninots or falla monuments, made of wood and papier-mâché. The ninots satirize everything and everyone; they illustrate social themes and issues, both local and regional. They reach up to 30 meters high!
It lasts a week — from March 15 to 19 — and is the result of a year of hard work. Not surprising, the Fallas of Valencia is one of the most anticipated events (and not only in Spain). Fiesta of Internacional Tourist Interest and candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fallas are deeply rooted in the hearts of Valencians.
Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that, with the arrival of spring and the long days, the carpenters made a bonfire to get rid of parots — oil lamps supported by wooden arms. The fire was also harnessed to burn old furniture and debris accumulated during the year.
Art Doomed to Flames
For months, carpenters, sculptors and painters — artistas falleros — build ostentatious ninots or falla monuments, made of wood and papier-mâché. The ninots satirize everything and everyone; they illustrate social themes and issues, both local and regional. They reach up to 30 meters high!