Following the opening gambit, this instalment takes me back to a previously frequented bar, street parties and more explosions as the Fallas festivities roll on…
There’s quite a vibe about the city; the weather is not being kind this year but that hasn’t dampened the celebratory spirit. It was actually fine yesterday, if a little windy and plenty of people out and about soaking up the atmosphere.
When I was here last, I joined a group on Telegram called Valencia Nomads which is what it says on the tin: ‘nomads’ (for want of a better word) living or passing through this city. Really, it’s mainly for expats, digital workers, locals and anyone else with an interest here to get together, share resources and the like.
That group has grown very rapidly and also spawned a number of sub-groups covering everything imaginable, from sports to crypto, food to content creation (and a whole lot more besides).
It also happens that the founders of that community run a bar in El Carmen in the centre. They’ve had both Bugalü and the group for nearly a year now and have made a basis for something potentially quite special.
I spent a few good nights there, meeting folks from all over the world, sampling a few beers and generally participating in merriment. It’s been a few months so last night I popped in to catch up with Charlie, JiJi and the crew. And that I did before getting out and about again to sample more action.
Check out the midnight fireworks going with a bang!
Each barrio has its own thing going on and it’s worth taking it all in and not just focusing on the centre. Valencianos are very proud of their constructions plus the show they put on and there’s some healthy competition on what they put together. Every few seconds there’s some sort of explosion or something going off, and around every corner is a bar or food stalls and marquees which sound like all sorts of crazy shenanigans going on inside.
It’s quite the fiesta. I may give it a rest today but hope to be in amongst it for a St Patrick’s day combo on Thursday, then the Valencia Nomads 1 year anniversary meetup on friday!
Here are a few more pics of some of the Falla monuments…
The event is due to end on Saturday but let’s take one day at a time ;). And let’s hope the weather holds to give us a chance to get the best out of it all.
Cheers,
Adam
@adambarratt
www.AdamBarratt.com