As alluded to in my last couple of posts, the extravaganza that is Las Fallas is due once again in Valencia shortly. A wild event that takes place in the city in March each year, with 2020 being canceled and the 2021 event put back to September.
The basic premise is a tradition that goes back to carpenters celebrating the arrival of spring on March 19th. They used to burn pieces of wood which were used to prop their lights during the winter. Then they added various belongings, rags and the like making the structure more human looking, and developed to what we see today.
There are some very creative, interesting, topical and down right wacky constructions which can be a thing of beauty. There are plenty of events going on the previous weeks, culminating in La Cremà where they all get burnt to a sinder!
For more info on the event, traditions and schedules, check out:
Here are a few photos from last year’s activities…
I also saw a post the other day from @for91days who lives in Valencia with a video of the Ninot Exhibition, which gives a taste of this year’s Fallas - check that out here.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on there. And it’s not for the faint hearted (or those that want a quiet time anyway). This is a loud week or 4 - especially those last few days. Fireworks, processions, people… it’s quite a show and has been known to scare a few pets (and humans for that matter).
I hope to be there this year, it just depends on how the coming weeks pan out. Although I have been to Valencia several times, I’m yet to fully experience this particular show that brings the city alive. Somewhat of a unique event (it happens elsewhere but the scale and the passion set it apart), worth experiencing at least once.
So, assuming I do make it as planned, I’ll write an article with a few photos and the specifics of how it was for me. Not the standard stuff, but a personal account of where the days/nights take me!
Who else has been and/or going? Do you have any similar traditions where you are?
Salud!
~ Adam
@adambarratt
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