Made it to Valencia and straight into explosions galore!
As mentioned in this post, it’s that Fallas time of year. A time of celebration and festivities, creativity and loud noises. The first proper event in a couple of years so everyone keen to make it a great one.
Unfortunately, we have a week of rain to coincide with the activities so it could be a wash out in some ways but the party goes on (we do what we can ;)). Leaving the UK on a rainy day, it seems to be worse here at the moment with winds to contend with too. Not good for the sculptures, displays and the like.
The first thing I noticed on the way to where I’m staying were the various lit up sections of communities, and the occasional explosion which took me by surprise. I soon realised this would be a common occurrence. Your first thought is like you’ve entered a war zone, but it is in fact well intentioned fun and many kids setting off little firecrackers (petardos) as well as the larger stuff. You’re never far from something exploding during these weeks.
The weekend was a game of 2 halves. I took it fairly easy on Saturday - I watched the rugby. Less said about that the better with England losing but it allowed me to settle in.
Sunday was an out and about affair. With it being good weather, an ideal opportunity for everyone to get in amongst it before it goes sour. Each day at 2pm in the town square there’s a Mascletà, which is essentially a form of firework show.
I can’t quite describe the noise and intricacy. It wasn’t just any pyrotechnic display - this was something on a different level. You could be forgiven for thinking some of those explosions were bombs going off and the whole city shook. I managed to get caught in the melee of people just around the corner of the main action. You do need to get their early, especially as it was a busy one but there came a point where I couldn’t weasel my way any further and cemented my spot.
So I couldn’t see the full glory, but certainly heard and felt it. A fairly intense experience and one that stays with you through the day. I looked it up on youtube to fill the gaps, and here it is!
Just another quiet Sunday at the library ;)
That out the way, I caught up with a few people after and we had a couple of chilled beers to toast the day, whilst various shenanigans went on around us.
As I say, the weather is pretty tricky so it will be a case of picking the moments for the rest of the time. Officially, the main Fallas fest is March 15-19th so today up to Saturday for the big finale…
Happy Fallas! Adam@adambarratt
www.AdamBarratt.com