Fallas is observed from March 15 to 19 in Valencia, Spain. It commemorates Saint Joseph and his efforts to protect the Holy Family. The holiday is celebrated using a pyrotechnic spectacle of firecracker detonation and fireworks display called the ‘mascletà.’ In 2016, the Fallas festival became a part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity list.
History of Falles
Fallas is a holiday celebrated by the citizens of Spain and is used as an opportunity to commemorate Saint Joseph. It’s thought the holiday began in the Middle Ages when craftsmen and artisans began disposing of pieces of wood and artifacts by burning them to celebrate the spring equinox. Over time, with the intervention of the Church, the burning of these materials, known as the ‘parot,’ was made to coincide with the festival of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.
Years passed, and the tradition changed shape, and by the 16th century, Falles had become a popular celebration. Children would run from household to household, asking for “una estoreta valletta,” or “old rugs” to add to the parot, which was made from old utensils and furniture. A few decades later, people began to create ‘falles,’ towering boxes made from paper and wood fitted with three to four wax dolls in fabric clothing. However, things began to change at the turn of the 20th century.
The falles constructions began to be made with cardboard and later with polystyrene and soft cork, allowing people to create falles over 100 feet high. The towering constructions also became more critical of the government, which had tried to shut down the festival many times without success. However, during the time of the shutdowns, the festival became associated with many religious customs like the offering of flowers to ‘Mare de Déu dels Desamparats,’ or ‘Our Lady of the Forsaken,’ which are essential parts of the festival today.
Falles timeline
The price of canons rises, so fallers refuse to place the falles monuments in the festival.
The Fallas celebration gets annulled by the government during the Spanish American War.
Due to the Spanish Civil War, the government suspends Fallas for three years.
The Valencia Generalitat postpones Fallas to prevent a virus from spreading.
Falles FAQs
What does ‘Fallas’ mean?
Fallas is a celebration of the coming of spring in Spain.
Why is Las Fallas so important?
The Fallas festival is an important traditional celebration of silk in Valencia. It is used to commemorate the city’s long Silk Road trade history.
What food is eaten during Las Fallas?
During Las Fallas, traditional foods are served in the streets. A unique festival treat is buñuelos de calabazas or pumpkin fritters, which are accompanied by rich chocolate.
How to Observe Falles
Attend Fallas
Fallas is an experience rarely experienced by tourists. But if you love Spanish culture or celebrating in general and have time on your hands, fly to Spain and participate in the yearly dances and bonfires.
Learn Spanish
You can brush up on your Spanish as a way to celebrate the holiday. Spanish is a beautiful language that can come in handy any day, especially when talking to your Spanish neighbor or colleague.
Visit Spain
On the holiday, you can travel to Spain and experience the culture. And if you’re a football fan and love festivals, traveling to Spain is a win-win for you.
5 Facts About Fallas Celebrations
Flowers are offered
During the event, every casal faller gives an offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary.
Mary’s statue is covered with flowers
A statue of the Virgin Mary is covered with all the flowers on the holiday.
There are fireworks
There are stunning displays of green, purple, and yellow fireworks in València.
There’s a Night of Fire
The fireworks displays get grander, and the last is called “La Nit del Foc,” which means the “Night of Fire.”
There’s a fire parade
The “Fire Parade” or the “Cavalcada del Foc” takes place along Colon street and Porta de la Mar Square.
Why Falles is Important
It preserves tradition
Fallas is a traditional holiday celebrated for thousands of years in Spain. The annual celebration helps to keep the tradition alive and pass it down to younger generations.
It makes people happy
The holiday is a joyful celebration that makes people happy. The atmosphere is usually charged with a lot of positive energy and feelings.
It honors important heroes
The holiday is used to honor heroes held in high esteem in Spain. Some of these heroes include Saint Joseph and Virgin Mary.
Falles dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 15 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 15 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 15 | Monday |
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