U3A Moraira–Teulada Group Visit 18-20th March 2026 – 26 members.
A Spectacular Celebration of Fire, Art, and Tradition
Our recent visit to Valencia during the world-famous Fallas Festival was nothing short of extraordinary. This iconic Spanish celebration, held each March, is a vibrant mix of artistry, tradition, noise, and community spirit — and it certainly left a lasting impression on us all.
Our Stay in Valencia
We were fortunate to stay in a hotel in an excellent location, close to Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Virgen).
This central position meant we were within easy walking distance of many of the main Fallas events and could fully immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the old town. The surrounding streets were full of character, with cafés, historic buildings, and constant activity throughout the day and night.
First Impressions
From the moment we arrived in Valencia, the city was alive with energy. Streets were filled with beautifully dressed locals, music echoed through every square, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. We quickly realised this is not just a festival — it is a way of life for the people of Valencia.
The Ninots – Satirical Works of Art
There are approximately 400 large ninots and a similar number of smaller ones, displayed throughout the city in pairs, each with its own unique design.
One of the highlights was seeing these incredible, intricate sculptures. They ranged from humorous and political satire to beautifully artistic creations, each telling its own story.
The craftsmanship was remarkable, and it was fascinating to see how modern themes and humour are woven into traditional art.
This ninot was saved in 2026 and is now displayed in the Fallas Museum. It carries a powerful message about the impact of war on children, with the inscription ‘Let’s put an end to wars’.
The Mascletà – An Unforgettable Experience
Every day at 2pm, we experienced the Mascletà in the city centre — a powerful display of coordinated firecrackers that is felt as much as heard.
The sheer number of people attending the 2pm display was staggering — at times overwhelming and, if we’re honest, a little frightening. The crowds were extremely dense, making movement difficult and highlighting just how intense and popular this daily event is. People sitting on the pavement 2 hours before the event made movement even more difficult.
The noise itself was immense — a rhythmic explosion building to a dramatic crescendo that you feel through your whole body.
The Ofrenda – A Moving Tribute
A particularly touching moment was witnessing part of the Ofrenda a la Virgen de los Desamparados, where thousands of participants dressed in traditional Valencian costumes offered flowers.
The parade began at midday and continued through until around 1am the following morning.
The flowers are used to create a vast and breathtaking cloak for the Virgin — a beautiful symbol of devotion and community pride. Each lady is given a posy of flowers to match where it will be placed. Red starting first all the way down to the coloured posies at the bottom.
The Grand Finale – La Cremà
The climax of the festival is La Cremà, when the ninots are set alight across the city.
Watching these magnificent structures burn was both dramatic and emotional. Months of work going up in flames
