Las Fallas of Valencia: Fire, Art and Tradition
Las Fallas of Valencia is one of the most spectacular festivities in Spain. Every March, the city fills up with giant monuments, gunpowder and music in a unique celebration that combines art, satire and tradition.
Our Spanish language school El Rincón del Tándem take you on this brief tour of Valencia’s most emblematic festival.
Let’s get started!
Origin and History
The origin of the Fallas dates back to the ancient Valencian carpenters, who on the eve of Saint Joseph’s Day, their patron Saint, would burn the remains of old wood and household goods in a kind of spring cleaning. Over time, these piles of wood evolved into the impressive statues we know today.
The Festival in all its Splendour
The Fallas officially begin on the last Sunday in February with the “Crida”, the proclamation that kicks off the festivities. During the days leading up to the “Nit de la Cremà” (night of the burning), the city lives in a festive atmosphere with mascletàs (gunpowder shows), parades and the “Ofrenda de Flores” (Offering of Flowers) to the Virgen de los
Desamparados
The undisputed protagonists are the Fallas monuments, huge sculptures made of cardboard, wood and other materials, which combine humour, social criticism and art. These are exhibited in the streets until the night of 19th of March, when they are finally burnt in a show of fire and emotion.
More than a Fiesta
Las Fallas are much more than just a celebration; they represent the festive spirit and cultural identity of Valencia. Declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016, this festivity reflects of the inventiveness, teamwork and passion of the Valencians.
Fallas 2025 Programme
If you are lucky enough to be in Valencia this March, don’t miss the most representative moments of this festival! Below you will find the dates and locations of the main events of Las Fallas 2025:
Mascletás
Every day until Wednesday, 19th of March, at 2pm in the Town Hall Square.
Fireworks shows
- L’Albà de las Fallas: Saturday 15th of March, at 12am in the Town Hall Square.
- Castillos de fuegos artificiales: Sunday 16th, Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th of March, at 12am. In the Turia Gardens, next to the Palau de les Arts.
Plantà
Installation of the Fallas and the Ninots in the streets.
- Plantà of the Fallas Infantiles: Saturday 15th of March, at 9am.
- Plantà of all the Fallas: Sunday 16th of March, at 8am.
Ofrenda de Flores a la Mare de Déu
The commissiones falleras will file through all the neighbourhoods of Valencia. The parades will converge in Calle de la Paz and Calle San Vicente and then end in Plaza de la Virgen.
Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th of March, from 3:30pm to 12am.
Verbenas
As in any festival, music is another essential component of the Fallas. Verbenas, orchestras and discos, located on the public areas next to the Fallas, will liven up the Fallas nights, from the weekend until Tuesday.
Here you can consult the list of verbenas and concerts.
From the 15th to the 18th of March, between 10pm and 4am, in the different Fallas of Valencia.
La Cabalgata del Fuego
In the Cabalgata del Fuego or correfocs, groups of actors and fire artists disguised as demons and other dystopian characters will offer a dreamlike show by setting off fireworks.
Wednesday 19th of March at 7pm. The walk starts at Calle de la Paz and ends at Puerta del Mar.
Cremà
This event marks the end of the festival with the burning of all the Fallas monuments.
- Cremà of Fallas Infantiles, at 8pm 20h
- Cremà of Falla Infantil in the Town Hall square, at 9pm
- Cremà de all the Fallas, at 10pm
- Cremà of the Falla in the Town Hall square, at 11pm.
Finally, we recommend you to take a tour of the most spectacular Fallas of Valencia. With this map you will be able to find your way around and easily reach the Fallas monuments.
From our Spanish language school, El Rincón del Tándem, we encourage you to take advantage of this unique festival to learn about Valencian culture and traditions, and, of course, to practice Spanish outside the classroom.
Have a great time!
