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15th-
19th March
Light,
gunpowder, music and flowers are elements constantly found in Valencian
celebrations. A must because of its beauty and uniqueness is Fallas (15-19
of March), Festivities which have  been named as of International interest for
tourism. During the "Fallera" week, the city becomes an ironic museum open
24 hours a day, and made up of an artistic collection of more than 350
monuments made from paper maché, set up in the middle of the city's
streets. . 
Art and humour are mixed to form humorous "ninots" which aim to provoke
giggles among the Valencian people, due to their daring criticism of
society and current politics. Fallas is an extrovert festival, which is
celebrated mainly in the streets to the sound of brass bands and to the
aroma of "Bunyols"( Typical cake made from dough or pumpkin and sugar) with
hot chocolate, and the passing of young Valencians in the city's parades,
clad in the regional typical costumes. Gunpowder and fire in the "Mascleta"
and the firework displays, contagious. Turmoil, devotion towards the Virgin
of the "Desamparados" and to St. Joseph...but overall traditions which are
alive and have been lived and re-lived are re-born year after year with the
coming of the " Josefina" festivities.
On the 19th of March numerous "purifying" fires bring an end to the beauty
of the Fallas, although the sadness which this causes is short lived, due
to the knowledge that the circle of nature has closed one circle in order
to open another with the arrival of Spring which re-news the spirit of all
of us who love these unique festivities, and we draw inspiration for the
next year's Fallas.
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