Valencia during Fallas: 5 musts for the festivities

It’s not hard to have an amazing time in València during Fallas – all you have to do is step outside and start wandering the streets. Every corner has a surprise waiting around it, whether it be towering sculptures, parades, fireworks, traditional costumes, paellas cooked up at night and much more. To ensure you make the most of your time in València during Fallas, we’re going to share five incredible events and activities that you’ll want to put in your itinerary.

What to do in València during Fallas: Nit de la Plantà

Our first recommendation is to spend the night of the 15 and 16 March watching la plantà, which is when the fallas are set up in the street. You can either choose to watch a particular falla be constructed or simply wander the city streets, which will be a hive of activity. You will see the fallas artists in action and, if you’re lucky, see a falla be put up al tombe, meaning with the hands of the falleros themselves.

Tour the fallas in the Special Section

If you’re wondering which fallas to see in València, the answer is simple: you have to visit those in the Special Section. These hugely artistic sculptures are normally of a satirical nature and towering height. Given that València is flat, you can easily cycle or walk everywhere. The atmosphere throughout the city is incredible.

A morning of Fallas in València

There’s plenty to do in the morning in València during Fallas and the activities kick off bright and early. The fallas associations start each day with la despertà, which sees all the family come together to enjoy fireworks and firecrackers designed to wake everybody up. Later, in the mid-morning, the walking bands take to the streets in a colourful parade. And if you’ve got some time, you can visit the Faller Museum. 

At 2pm, make sure you’re in Plaza del Ayuntamiento in València to watch la mascletà, a noisy firecracker display whose explosions will reverberate through your whole body. La mascletà is held daily from the 1 to the 19 March. 

An evening of Fallas and fireworks displays 

If your day has been intense so far, brace yourself for the evening. On the 17 and 18 March, the Ofrenda de Flores takes place which sees falleros and falleras wearing traditional dress parade through the streets to give a floral offering. Afterwards you can refuel with some pumpkin doughnuts, which are absolutely delicious, before heading out to see incredible fireworks displays. Of note is Nit del Foc on the 18 March, which illuminates the night sky. 

Street lights and Cremà

The final event you simply have to experience in València during Fallas is on the final day, the 19 March. This is the perfect opportunity to see the lights decorating the streets and admire a few last fallas before the cremà, which sees them burnt to the ground. At midnight the City Falla is burnt, a sight that is sure to get your emotions going.