At Mon Suites, we are deeply familiar with the vibrant culture and unique traditions of Valencia. We’ve prepared an essential guide to help you make the most of the Fallas of 2024. During these festivities, our beautiful city transforms into an unparalleled visual and cultural spectacle. We know that to fully experience this event, it’s crucial to have detailed information and practical tips, especially for those visiting for the first time.
At Mon Suites, we not only offer comfortable and elegant apartment rentals in the heart of Valencia, but we also strive to bring our guests and readers closer to the best of our traditions. Through this guide, you’ll discover the secrets of the Valencian Fallas, from their history and significance to the complete program for this year. We want your stay in Valencia, while lodging with us, to be unforgettable, and that the Fallas of 2024 will be remembered as a vibrant and colorful experience.
What are the Fallas?
Valencia, a city that pulses with the vibrant rhythm of its festivals, transforms during the Fallas, a spectacle that fuses art, satire, and pyrotechnics. This festival, emblematic of the Valencian Community and a cultural gem of Spain, has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, highlighting its value and uniqueness worldwide.
The Fallas begin with the “plantà,” an event that brings the streets to life with the installation of sculptures, and culminate with the “cremà,” where these works of art are consumed by flames. Although the climax of the festival is experienced from March 15th to 19th, the festive atmosphere invades Valencia from March 1st, kicking off what is known as “Fallas Week,” a period where the entire city immerses itself in an unparalleled celebration.
These grand sculptures, known as ninots, are the heart of the Fallas. Created by local artists, these ninots are much more than mere figures: they are a blend of art, wit, and social critique, humorously and ironically representing relevant aspects of the cultural, political, and social life of Spain and the world.
During the Fallas, these masterpieces are exhibited throughout the city, becoming an open-air museum that invites locals and visitors to a unique tour. Before the cremà, prizes are awarded to the best fallas, highlighting their creativity and message. Among them, one is chosen as the “ninot indultat,” the fortunate survivor that escapes the fire and is preserved as a testament to Valencian creativity.
What does the word “falla” mean?
The word “falla” has a deep and multifaceted meaning in the context of this iconic Valencian festival. Originally, the term referred to the torches used in ancient celebrations to light up the nights, but over time, its meaning evolved to encompass much more than just a source of light.
Today, a “falla” is a monumental work of art, a giant ninot constructed with combustible materials such as wood and cardboard. These sculptures, which can reach impressive heights, are the soul of the festival and a symbol of Valencian creativity and ingenuity.
Origin and Evolution of the Valencian Fallas
The Fallas of Valencia have their roots in a simple tradition of the city’s carpenters. Originally, on the eve of Saint Joseph’s Day, the patron saint of carpenters, these professionals would burn old junk and the wood used to elevate the lanterns that illuminated their night work in the streets and squares. This symbolic act, marking the end of winter and the welcome of spring, laid the foundation for what we now know as the Fallas.
In the 18th century, this custom began to take on a more defined form. The Fallas at that time primarily involved the burning of combustible materials on the night before Saint Joseph’s Day. However, over time, this practice evolved from being a simple bonfire to becoming a more significant event with greater meaning.
The evolution of the Fallas has been remarkable. Today, the festival combines art, satire, and social critique. Each falla is designed not only to impress with its size and beauty but also to convey a message. Through satire and caricature, the fallas reflect and critique aspects of social, political, and cultural life, becoming an artistic reflection of contemporary society.
How many fallas are exhibited in the city of Valencia?
Approximately 700 fallas are displayed throughout the city, each with its unique character and message. Of these, around 350 are large fallas, impressive in their size and detail, while the other 350 are children’s fallas, equally charming but designed with a more youthful and playful focus.
The dimensions of some of these large fallas are truly astounding, reaching up to 25 meters in height. These structures are not only an artistic achievement; they are testimonies to the skill and creativity of the fallero artists. Each falla is a meticulous project that combines art, engineering, and a critical vision of reality, creating figures that not only adorn the city but also tell stories and deliver powerful messages.
How many people participate directly in the Fallas?
The Fallas of Valencia are not just a spectacle to be admired, but a festivity that is lived and felt thanks to the active participation of a large part of the city’s population. According to Valencia’s census data, more than 120,000 people, including falleros and falleras, officially participate in this event.
These participants are members of the various fallero committees, who dedicate the entire year to planning and creating the fallas, as well as organizing the different acts and events.
But participation is not limited to the falleros and falleras. When we include the professionals related to the Fallas, such as musicians, support staff, cooks, and other workers who contribute to the success of the festival, the figure rises to approximately 300,000 people. This wide participation demonstrates the deep-rooted nature of the Fallas in the Valencian community and its importance as an event that involves nearly every aspect of life in the city.
Fallas 2024 Program: Dates and Times
The Fallas of Valencia 2024 promise to be an event full of color, music, art, and tradition, with a program that offers something special for every visitor. From solemn and traditional acts to pyrotechnic shows that light up the Valencian sky, the Fallas are a complete sensory experience.
To help you plan your visit and ensure you don’t miss any of this magnificent event, we at Mon Suites have compiled a summary of the Fallas 2024 program. Discover with us the key dates and unmissable events that will make your stay in Valencia an unforgettable experience.
February
Friday, February 2
- 7:00 PM – Official opening of the Ninot Exhibition, a must-see to understand fallero art. After the inauguration, Valencia’s skies will light up with a fireworks display, combining lights and colors in a pyrotechnic dance.
Sunday, February 25
- 7:15 AM – “Despertà” for the youngest, filling the streets with music and joy from early morning.
- 7:30 AM – The great “Macrodespertà” parades through the main streets of the center, culminating in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with an impressive “terremoto” of fire and sound.
- 12:00 PM – The Bands of Music make their triumphant entry, adding traditional melodies to the celebration.
- 2:00 PM – An exciting “Mascletà” roars in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a spectacle of noise and gunpowder.
- 7:00 PM – The “Crida” is celebrated at the historic Torres de Serranos, marking the official start of the Fallas. At the conclusion, a light and color show envelops the night.
March
Friday, March 1
- 2:00 PM – The Plaza del Ayuntamiento vibrates again with another magnificent “Mascletà.”
Saturday, March 2
- 2:00 PM – Another energetic “Mascletà” fills the plaza.
- 5:30 PM – “Cabalgata del Ninot,” starting from Glorieta and passing through emblematic streets to Xàtiva Street, with the entrance of the first pieces of the Municipal Falla “Dos Palomas. Una rama.”
- 12:00 AM – A dazzling nighttime pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, closing the day with a golden touch.
Sunday, March 3
- 10:00 AM – Contest of the Cant de l’Estoreta.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 8:00 PM – The night lights up with a pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a visual delight for attendees.
Monday, March 4
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Tuesday, March 5
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Wednesday, March 6
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Thursday, March 7
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 5:30 PM – Tribute by the Armed Forces to the FFMMV and CCHH.
Friday, March 8
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 12:00 AM – Nighttime pyrotechnic shows, filling the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with energy.
Saturday, March 9
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, an event that never ceases to amaze.
- 12:00 AM – The night is dressed in lights and colors with another spectacular pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Sunday, March 10
- 8:00 AM – Contest of children’s fallas in the streets of Valencia, displaying the creativity of the youngest.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 12:00 AM – A pyrotechnic show closes the day in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Monday, March 11
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Tuesday, March 12
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Wednesday, March 13
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 12:00 AM – Pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, ending the day with a flourish.
Thursday, March 14
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 4:30 PM – Visit to the Children’s Municipal Falla with a historic review of all the ninots created by children in the municipality of Valencia.
Friday, March 15
- 8:00 AM – “Plantà” of all children’s fallas.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 5:00 PM – Deadline for the contest of all fallas.
- 5:30 PM – “Cabalgata del Ninot” children’s parade.
- 12:00 AM – Pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, an essential event for lovers of fire and light.
Saturday, March 16
- 8:00 AM – “Plantà” of all fallas.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 4:00 PM – Awards ceremony for children’s fallas in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 5:30 PM – Tribute by the Armed Forces to the FFMMV and CCHH.
- 8:00 PM – Tribute by the Valencian Community’s music bands to the FFMMV and CCHH.
- 12:00 AM – Pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, filling the night with magic.
Sunday, March 17
- 9:00 AM – Visit to the children’s fallas.
- 11:00 AM – Awards ceremony for fallas in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 3:30 PM – Flower offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, starting with fallas from the areas of Creu Coberta, Mislata, Quart de Poblet, and Xirivella.
- 4:30 PM – Second round of the flower offering, this time including fallas from the areas of La Roqueta-Arrancapins, Olivereta, Patraix, Jesús, and Malvarrosa.
- 12:00 AM – The sky lights up with an incredible pyrotechnic show in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Monday, March 18
- 11:00 AM – Homage to the poet Maximiliano Thous.
- 12:00 PM – Homage to the poet Vicente Blasco Ibáñez.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 3:30 PM – Continuation of the flower offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados.
- 4:30 PM – Offering of flowers by the fallas from the areas of Russafa, El Carmen, and Pla del Real.
- 12:00 AM – Spectacular pyrotechnic show, illuminating the skies of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Tuesday, March 19
- 9:00 AM – “Despertà” with fanfares and music.
- 11:00 AM – Parade of music bands through the main streets of Valencia.
- 12:00 PM – Solemn Mass in honor of San José in the Cathedral of Valencia.
- 2:00 PM – “Mascletà” in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 6:00 PM – Parade of the Cavalcade of Fire, showcasing traditional costumes and celebrating the element of fire.
- 7:00 PM – “Cremà” of children’s fallas, beginning with the smallest.
- 8:00 PM – “Cremà” of the first prize-winning children’s falla.
- 10:00 PM – “Cremà” of all fallas, a fiery and emotional climax to the festival.
- 11:00 PM – “Cremà” of the first prize-winning falla in the special section.
- 1:00 AM – “Cremà” of the Municipal Falla in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a grand finale to an unforgettable celebration.
Experience the Valencia Fallas with Mon Suites!
At Mon Suites, we understand that being part of the Valencia Fallas means living an unforgettable experience that combines culture, art, tradition, and excitement. That’s why we offer the perfect accommodation for those who want to immerse themselves in the heart of this unique festival. Our apartments, located in the center of Valencia, not only provide comfort and style but also place you in a prime location to enjoy all the Fallas activities and events. From the “Plantà” to the “Cremà,” and from the vibrant fireworks displays to the moving flower offerings, everything is just a step away at Mon Suites.
Moreover, at Mon Suites, we pride ourselves on offering personalized and attentive service, ensuring that your stay during the Fallas is as comfortable and enjoyable as it is thrilling. Whether you’re visiting Valencia for the first time to experience the Fallas or you’re a returning guest, at Mon Suites you’ll feel right at home, with all modern comforts and unparalleled hospitality. Experience the Fallas 2024 with us: immerse yourself in Valencian culture, live the passion of its traditions, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
