Else Beekman
Valencia is ready to ignite once again with the vibrant and fiery celebrations of the Fallas 2025. Recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, this annual event brings together art, tradition, music, and pyrotechnics, attracting thousands of visitors and locals alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming festivities.
The Fallas officially begin with the Crida, the traditional opening ceremony. This year, the Crida took place on 23rd February, the last Sunday of the month. During this event, the Fallas Queens, Berta Peiró and Lucía García delivered a heartfelt message of hope and remembrance for the communities affected by last year’s storm.
Main events and programme
The most exciting days of the Fallas are from the 15th to the 19th of March, but the festive atmosphere fills the city for weeks. These are the key dates:
- 1st to 19th March: Daily Mascletàs at 2.00 pm in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. These spectacular firecracker displays are a must-see.
- 15th March: La Plantà of the children’s fallas – when the intricate sculptures are set up around the city.
- 16th March: La Plantà of the grand fallas – larger and more elaborate sculptures are revealed.
- 17th and 18th March: The Flower Offering to the Virgin of the Abandoned (Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados), a deeply emotional and traditional event.
- 19th March: La Cremà – the grand finale where all the fallas are set ablaze, marking the end of the festival.
The grand finale: La Cremà
The climax of the Fallas takes place on 19th March, coinciding with the feast day of San José (Saint Joseph). As night falls, the city is engulfed in flames, noise, and smoke as both the children and grand fallas burn to the ground. It’s a spectacular display of fire and tradition that leaves unforgettable memories.
The origins of Las Fallas
The roots of Las Fallas trace back to an old tradition among carpenters. They celebrated the arrival of spring by burning wooden pieces known as ‘parots’ outside their workshops on the night of 19th March. These parots were used during winter to hold the oil lamps that illuminated their workspaces.
Over time, they began adding old junk and rags to the purifying fire, gradually humanising the parots until they transformed into ‘ninots’ – figures that soon became a vehicle for Valencian humour, satire, and irony. This spirit of wit and critique is still alive in the modern-day ninots.
Today, the fallas have evolved into magnificent, ephemeral works of art, with some creations boasting budgets of millions of euros.
Fun facts about Las Fallas
Guinness World Record
In 2016, the Fallas entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest fireworks display, set off during the Nit del Foc, the night before La Cremà.
Recycling ninots
Although most ninots (figures) are burned during La Cremà, each year one ninot is saved from the flames by popular vote. This “pardoned” ninot is then displayed in the Fallas Museum.
Economic impact
The festival generates millions of euros for the local economy, from tourism and accommodation to food and traditional costumes. According to a study by the University of Valencia, the festival generated an economic impact of €732 million in 2023 and created 6,500 jobs. For the pyrotechnics sector specifically, the Fallas of 2025 are expected to generate approximately €8.5 million in revenue, with an average spending of €45 per household on fireworks products.
Not just for tourists
Despite its international fame, the Fallas is still deeply rooted in Valencian community life, with locals actively participating in the creation and funding of the fallas through neighbourhood associations called Casales.
Hidden symbolism
The burning of the fallas symbolises purification and renewal. The flames clear away the old to make room for the new – a tradition linked to the coming of spring.
Artistic masterpieces
Some fallas are crafted by renowned artists like Manolo Martín, Miguel Santaeulalia Núñez and Latorre en Sanz. These pieces of art can cost up to €1 million, reflecting political satire, social commentary, and even pop culture references.
Fallas competitions and awards
Every year, the Fallas of Valencia host competitions to honour the most beautiful and artistically impressive fallas. These contests are a major part of the festival, fuelling friendly rivalry and pride among the different neighbourhoods and their fallas commissions.
Fallas are categorised into different sections based on their budget and artistic ambition. The most prestigious category is the Sección Especial, where the largest and most elaborate fallas compete for the coveted title of best falla. In 2024, the Falla of L’Antiga de Campanar received the award.
In addition to the main awards, there are also prizes for specific features, such as the ‘Premio de Ingenio y Gracia’, which celebrates the most humorous and inventive falla. These awards encourage creativity and originality among artists and commissions.
Before the main celebrations, visitors can see the presentation of the best ‘ninots’ (individual figures) at the Exposición del Ninot. Furthermore, they can vote for their favourite ninot. The winning figure, known as the ‘Ninot Indultat’, is saved from the flames during La Cremà. Thereafter, this ninot gets a permanent place in the Fallas Museum. In 2025, the ‘Ninot Indultat’ was awarded to a creation by Víctor Navarro for the Falla Goya-Brasil, titled ‘El Cagalló D’Or de Vinicius’.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
The Fallas of Valencia are more than just a festival – they’re an explosion of creativity, culture, and community spirit. Whether it’s the powerful Mascletàs, the emotional Flower Offering, or the breathtaking Cremà, this event showcases Valencia’s unique identity like no other.
Plan your visit
If you’re planning to experience the Fallas in 2025, be sure to book your accommodation early. Prepare yourself for a city buzzing with excitement, colour, and, of course, plenty of firecrackers. Don’t miss out on one of Spain’s most unforgettable cultural events.