Every March, the entire Valencian Community quite literally explodes into life. The Valencia festival of Las Fallas is an extraordinary sight, as the city turns into an extravaganza of fireworks, street food, and giant, colourful sculptures. It is one of the best festivals in Spain, a country that is by no means short on spectacular celebrations. If you can schedule visiting Valencia to coincide with the festivities, you are in for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Where did Fallas Valencia begin?
Like so many other charming European traditions, the origins of Las Fallas date back centuries. Carpenters working throughout the long dark winters used wooden staffs to prop up their lamps. They would celebrate the return of the light by burning these staffs on March 19, around the time of the spring equinox.
Gradually, people started to tie rags and old clothing to the wooden staffs. This led to some of them taking a human shape, and from that point, it started to coalesce into a deliberate satirical activity. The wooden staffs – which came to be known as ninots – were shaped to mimic and mock important figures in a classic display of Valencian humour.
The satire persists to this day and – somewhat ironically for a humorous activity! – is taken very seriously by the populace. Neighbourhood groups will fundraise all year to have enough to commission a ninot from an established artist, hoping to be awarded the coveted winning design. The figures are truly remarkable, sometimes taller than buildings, with as many as 800 independent creations dotted throughout the city.
It is Valencia’s most beloved festival, declared a Unesco Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and culminating in communal paellas and street parties with many locals opting to dress in traditional costume.
The dates you need to know for Las Fallas, Valencia
From March 1 to 19, there are a myriad of activities and festivities. The pyrotechnic musical explosions of the Mascletás happen at 2pm sharp each day in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square). Many nights also feature a midnight firework display in the same location. Be prepared for gunpowder and noise!
Additionally, if you’re visiting Valencia during las Fallas, get the following special events in your calendar for an unmissable experience:
La Crida, February 23
The official inauguration of the Fallas festivities, La Crida is the call of the Fallas, as the officials make their famous announcement: "Valencians, falleros and falleras, people from all over the world, we are now in Fallas!”
The city’s hymn is sung by the crowds, before a spectacular and intense firework show.
The Night of the Plantà, March 15
The busiest night of the year for the falleros, as they work all night long to combine their ninots into a single, monumental falla. The installations are precisely placed, sometimes even using cranes to manoeuvre the giant forms into correct position, prior to being judged on the following day.
Awards, March 16-17
After being judged, the different fallas collect their awards in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The whole neighbourhood is filled with marching bands, street performers and parades. As well as the two winning ninots, other awards include neighbourhoods with the best lighting or best costumes; as well as the Ninots Indultats who receive a “pardon” from the bonfire, and
The Ofrenda, March 17-18
A fantastic display of floristry is paraded through the centre before each Fallas commission makes the offering of flowers to a 15-metre high statue of the Virgen de los Desamparados, Valencia’s patron saint. The Ofrenda runs from 4pm until the early hours with fragrant, beautiful flowers adorning the city’s central plaza, a welcome contrast to the gunpowder chaos of the days to come.
La Nit del Foc, March 18
The most spectacular pyrotechnics of the entire period happen in Turia Gardens at the Nit del Foc - the night of fire. An unforgettable medley of music, fire, and light around midnight, you can see why Las Fallas has a reputation as one of the best festivals in Spain.
The Cremà, March 19
The final act of the Fallas of Valencia as the huge bonfires are lit at 8pm. Over the next few hours, the year’s ninots go one by one to their fiery fates in the culmination of the celebrations at La Cremà. The whole city comes to a complete standstill, as locals and visitors both cheer the flames, ending at 11pm with the burning of the winners and the Town Hall’s ninot.
Find your favourite Falla
With different neighbourhoods competing to be the best and each one known for specific themes and flairs in their creations, you can roam the city to look at each sculpture and pick out your own favourite. Different prizes are awarded in various categories, with the top prize of all going to the advanced Special Categories, with large or children's themed Fallas. The winner will be the last one to be burned, and a popular vote will also “pardon” two ninots each year, preserving them in a museum instead of sending them up in smoke.
Visit Valencia creates a map each year to show you exactly where to go to have a look. With more than 400 locations featuring around 800 different ninots, and the whole city strolling around to have a look, it’s a busy affair. Try getting up early to beat the crowds or limit yourself to the best ones in the advanced categories, as shown on the Visit Valencia 2025 Fallas map.
Get ready for some noise…
The artistic sculptures are incredible, but there is a feast for your ears as well as your eyes. The mascletàs are a series of impressive firework displays, like none you have seen before. Instead of bright flashing lights, mascletàs are all about the noise, with the detonations making up a percussive concert.
Before they kick off at 2pm every day, the town square (Plaza de Ayuntamiento) will slowly start to fill with people, bringing snacks and drinks to witness the remarkable spectacle. Two lone shots will sound to mark the start of the mascletà and the sound intensifies into a crescendo, in a tightly choreographed and rhythmic composition with occasional puffs of coloured smoke. The excitement and thrill are palpable, as you see the Valencians listening intently then applauding like crazy at the end, stamping their feet in joy.
Keep a tight grip on your friends so as not to lose them in the crowds, and make sure you visit the bathroom beforehand – because once you’re inside you’ll have trouble getting out!
Party in the street
Alongside the fallas and the fireworks, you can also expect fiestas. Live music and street parties spread across the whole city, from smaller neighbourhood parties to the verbenas – large nighttime events with stages, light shows, DJs and live bands. Different quarters have different themes; for example Verbena de Cuba-Literato Azorín is especially known for Latin music; Verbena de Almirante Cadarso for big-names DJs; and Verbena de Convento Jerusalén for live music.
Street markets will pop up everywhere as well, with stalls offering handicrafts, souvenirs and traditional sweets. And make sure you try local delicacies like paella, or pumpkin fritters (buñuelos) or churros with hot chocolate.
Stay in style
During Las Fallas, Valencia is full of noisy, bustling action. If you like to be in the thick of it, a hotel in the centre is perfect. Be aware that it will be noisy, especially if the hotel is near a falla or a verbena, with the celebrations typically going on into the early hours. Others may prefer to escape to a quieter location for some peace at night. Here are some options for both.
Embrace the Nightlife!
Just a few minutes away from St Nicolas Church, Palacio Vallier is a gorgeous old-school hotel where luxury comes in black and white marble behind a lemon-yellow palace facade, high-arched doorways and cascading green plants.
From the Autograph collection, Santa Clara is a four-star hotel with modern decor in a distinctive style. Add on a stunning rooftop pool and terrace, all within easy walking distance of the city centre.
Luxury five-star hotel right in the heart of the action with grand continental style. Only You is one of three Valencian hotels awarded a Michelin Key, the hotel equivalent of a Michelin star.
One of the other Michelin key hotels, Caro strikes the perfect balance between contemporary style and old-world charm. Rough-hewn stonework gives way to plush fabrics and sleek modern bathrooms.
Turn in early for a peaceful night’s sleep
If you want to be close to the action but value your sleep, The Westin is near a Falla but in a much quieter neighbourhood. Just 1 km away from the cathedral, this luxury hotel offers the best of both worlds.
A resort hotel with direct access to the beach as well as two open-air swimming pools. Elegant decor and a modern spa looking out onto lush gardens give you the chance to unwind and recover from the Fallas parties.
A pretty location right on the seafront and promenade of Las Arenas beach. Rooms are decorated in stylish modern neutrals, many of which with sea views. Friendly staff can help arrange local excursions like horse riding, diving, or cycling.
Discover Las Fallas Valencia festival
Visiting Valencia during Las Fallas is the best way to see the unique spirit of the city and participate in some authentic Spanish celebrations. See the city come to life, stamp your feet to a mascletà, and dance all night at a verbena before watching the fallas go up in smoke.
