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Las Fallas Tours & Trips

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The Highlights of Las Fallas

  • La Mascletá

    Visiting Plaza Ayuntamiento to see the fantastic La Mascletá firework celebration is a must. Here you will witness an elaborately coordinated firework and firecracker display. Each afternoon when the clock strikes 2 pm, the Fallera Mayor dressed to the Fallas nines, calls from the balcony of City Hall to commence the beginning of the explosive show. If you have sensitive ears, you may want to pack some earplugs! It would also be wise to check which direction the wind is blowing, and bring your sunglasses.
  • Bullfighting

    Plaza de Toros of Valencia showcases several bullfights during Las Fallas, which officially kicks off the bullfighting season. Most shows take place at 5 pm and prices can range from €11 to €140, depending on whether you want to sit in the sun or shade. Be prepared to be dazzled by fabulous costumes, colours and music, not to mention the thrilling show itself! While you’re there, you can also check out the adjacent Bullfighting Museum.
  • Ruzafa District Light Show

    During Las Fallas the entire city is illuminated in displays of bold and colourful lights. The most spectacularly lit neighborhood is the Ruzafa District where over 750,000 light bulbs shine bright along three streets—a spectacle not to be missed! Make sure to come early to grab a bite at one of the many fabulous street food stalls.
  • Cabalgata del Fuego

    While there are numerous outstanding parades during Las Fallas, the highlight is the Cabalgata del Fuego “fire” parade which showcases vibrant costumes, street performances, music, floats, and of course, tons of fire!  The parade begins at 7 pm on March 19th along Colon Street and Porta de la Mar Square.
  • La Cremà

    You can’t miss the grand La Cremà finale on the 19th. On this evening, the Ninots are stuffed full with fireworks. As the sun sets, the city’s lights are turned off, the crowds begin to chant and at midnight the Ninots are set ablaze—all except for one lucky Ninot who is spared and displayed in a local museum. Traditionally the final Ninots are burned at Plaza Ayuntamiento where the daily La Mascletá takes place. Here—just like everywhere else—you’ll find the city frolicking about, singing, dancing and celebrating with glee.
  • Museo Fallero

    For art, culture and puppet lovers, we recommend paying a visit to the Fallas Museum to see the lucky Ninots whose lives have been spared over the years. We suggest roughly one hour for viewing time. The entrance fee is 2 euros and is free on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Las Fallas Facts

  • When is Las Fallas?

    Las Fallas is one of Spain’s most unique and popular festivals, celebrated each year from March 15th to 19th in Valencia. This festival is full of energy and spirit, vibrant colours, fire, and plenty of noise and smoke, attracting visitors from every corner of Spain and all over the world.
  • What is Las Fallas?

    The origins of Las Fallas is somewhat of a mystery, but many believe that it dates back to a pagan tradition during the Middle Ages in which artefacts were burned to celebrate the onset of spring and harvest season. The festival is also a commemoration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, which has evolved over the years into the electrifying celebration it is today.
  • Where is Las Fallas?

    Las Fallas takes place in Valencia, Spain. The city is literally on fire with excitement during the entire 5 day extravaganza. Each morning at 8 am, the city is awaken by the La Desperta “wake-up call,” where brass bands march up and down the streets playing loud and lively music.
  • Where should I stay during Las Fallas?

    When booking accommodations you’ll have to find a balance between peace, quiet and convenience. On one hand we recommend booking accommodations that are central to Las Fallas near Plaza Ayuntamiento. It is difficult to travel via taxi during Las Fallas because they are hugely over booked, so your best bet is booking accommodations which are in walking distance of the festival’s events.
  • What should I pack for Las Fallas?

    First things first: bring earplugs! Las Fallas is a vibrant, fun, and extremely loud festival, so visitors are encouraged to protect their ears from the constant sound of fireworks and music. Consider also packing a scarf or mask to decrease the amount of smoke you inhale during the festival. 
  • What's the weather like during Las Fallas?

    Valencia’s location on the southeast coast of Spain means the city enjoys a subtropical climate. During Las Fallas, expect temperatures to peak at around 18 degrees Celsius, with average lows of about 7 degrees Celsius. Of course, with all the bonfires and excitement, it may feel much warmer!

How to get to Valencia

  • By plane

    The Valencia airport is only 9 km from the city centre. Taking a bus to the centre costs €2.50 and takes 30 minutes. The metro takes 20 minutes and costs €4.90. A more convenient taxi ride to the city centre costs around €19. Valencia City Guide provides up-to-date information on transportation between the airport and city centre.

  • By train

    Valencia can be reached by train from many major cities including Madrid and Barcelona. Travel time from Madrid is 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours from Barcelona. Tickets can be booked online through RENFE.

  • By bus

    There are many bus routes to Valencia from other parts of Spain, such as Barcelona, which usually takes about 4 and a half hours, or Madrid, which will usually take about 4 hours. From elsewhere in Europe, routes are available from major cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, and London, often with a stopover in a larger Spanish city. The main bus station in Valencia is a 15-minute walk from the city centre. 

  • By car

    The AP-7 is a tolled motorway which runs along the Mediterranean coast of Spain. For travellers choosing to drive to Valencia, at least part of the journey will be spent on this motorway, spanning just over 1,000 kilometres. The good news is, however, that no matter where travellers are driving from, once they reach the AP-7, the road leads almost directly to Valencia.

  • By boat

    For visitors looking to test their sea legs on their trip to Valencia, there are direct ferry routes from Majorca, Ibiza, and Minorca, as well as several ports in Italy. There is also the option to take a ferry from England to either France or the north of Spain, and travel the rest of the way by car, train, or coach. 

  • Getting around town

    Exploring the city’s center can be done entirely by foot, however if you plan to venture out of the center, you will need to decide on a mode of transportation. The Valencia Transport guide provides detailed information on transportation within Valencia including info on the bus system, trams, metro/underground, taxis, car hire and tourist buses. Renting bicycles is a popular way to get around Valencia, especially during Las Fallas when public transportation and taxis will be jam packed. Vaelnbisi offers 2,750 bicycles for hire at 275 stations around the city.

The History of Las Fallas

Las Fallas is one of Spain’s most unique and popular festivals, celebrated each year from March 15th to 19th in Valencia. This festival is full of energy and spirit, vibrant colours, fire, and plenty of noise and smoke, attracting visitors from every corner of Spain and all over the world. The origins of Las Fallas is somewhat of a mystery, but many believe that it dates back to a pagan tradition during the Middle Ages in which artefacts were burned to celebrate the onset of spring and harvest season. The festival is also a commemoration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, which has evolved over the years into the electrifying celebration it is today. “Las Fallas” translates to “the fires” which is a major component of the festival. Random firework displays erupt all hours of the day and night throughout the city, leading up to the finale on the 19th. 

"Many believe that Las Fallas dates back to a pagan tradition during the Middle Ages in which artefacts were burned to celebrate the onset of spring and harvest season."

The 5-day event centres around the creation and imminent destruction of huge puppets named “Ninots” which are crafted all year round out of materials including wood, paper mache, plaster and cardboard. The Ninots often portray current events in a satirical fashion. Many of the Ninots are gigantic, some reaching several stories in height, requiring the aid of cranes to display. The fascinating Ninots are erected on the 15th and can be found all over the city in over 350 parks and popular intersections. 

Las Fallas Essentials

- Book travel arrangements and accommodations well in advance
- Be prepared to pay premium prices all around the city during Las Fallas
- Show up to festival events at least 30 minutes early for a good view
- Bring a map! Las Fallas crowds are huge and streets become impassable while others are closed off entirely around Ninots for safety reasons.
- Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Bring sunglasses and consider bringing earplugs to protect your ears
- Do not rent a car - opt to take a taxi, public transportation, or better yet, walk!
- If you don’t like crowds and noise, this festival may not be for you

Useful Spanish phrases

Good morning
Buenos días
How are you?
Cómo estás?
Good, thank you
Bien, gracias
Excuse me
Perdón
Please
Por favor

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