The traditional Fallas festival is celebrated every year from the 14th to the 19th of March, although preparations begin on the 1st of that month and the whole city has a festive energy with music, concerts, outdoor meals and much more.
The Falla is a monument between 4 and 14 meters high, made up of caricature pieces, created by local artists, that reflects current social issues. These monuments are mainly made of wood, cardboard and a material called white cork. There are around 750 in the city and its surroundings and are located in different corners of the town and the main Falla, in the town hall square. All are set on fire at the end of the festival, on the 19th of March, to symbolize the arrival of spring, purification and rejuvenation of social activity.
But there is so much more to see and enjoy in Fallas that I never miss and therefore recommend you do. The firework spectacle called Mascletà every day at 2pm in the Town Hall Square. For those who don't know, a mascletà is a series of loud explosives that are fired continuously causing a deafening noise.
It really is a very peculiar tradition. Some people hate it and others cry from emotion. And like all Valencians I would advise you to open your mouth a bit to avoid the 120 decibels damaging your hearing!
But it's not all firecrackers and stunners. Some nights, especially on the 18th of March, the València sky is filled with light and colour thanks to the impressive fireworks display that is set off at midnight in the Turia Park. You can enjoy it from any central bridge that crosses the Turia.
Another spectacular event that the Fallas offer us is the parade of Valencians who walk from their neighborhoods to the Plaza de la Virgen to make an offering of flowers (around 1 million bouquets!!!) to the Virgen de los Desamparados, patron saint of Valencia. This, to me, is really breathtaking and beautiful. The event takes place on the 17th and 18th of March and lasts from 4pm until nightfall. The bouquets are used to make an impressive 15-metre high tapestry that decorates the Virgin's mantle. Here you will see thousands of falleros and falleras dressed in their spectacular traditional costumes.
It is said that everyone should see Las Fallas once in their life, I couldn't agree more with this. Valencia and I look forward to seeing you!