falles

The Falles, known in Valencian as Les Falles and in Spanish as Las Fallas, is a traditional festival held in Valencia and parts of the Valencian Community in Spain. It centers on the creation and burning of large, elaborate sculptures called fallas, constructed by local communities or “comisiones falleras.” Fallas are typically satirical or commemorative, built from materials such as wood, papier-mâché, and cardboard, and displayed in public plazas and streets.

The festival has its roots in medieval springtime practices of burning old belongings to clean and renew, later evolving into a civic celebration with artistic competitions. Today, neighborhoods compete to present the most impressive and intricate falla, often accompanied by design workshops and fundraising long in advance of the event.

Key events occur between mid-March and March 19, Saint Joseph’s Day. Plantà marks the installation of all fallas, usually by mid-morning on March 15. Throughout the week, various spectacles take place, including La Despertà (morning processions with loud fireworks), La Mascletà (daily rhythmic pyrotechnic displays), and La Ofrenda de Flores (a floral offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados). The Night of Fire (Nit del Foc) features grand fireworks displays, culminating in La Cremà, when all fallas are burned, although a single figure chosen by popular vote may be spared as the Ninot Indultat and later preserved in a museum.

In 2016, Las Fallas was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance.