Guide to not miss the essentials of the Fallas this year

Valencia is preparing to live, finally and after three years of restrictions due to the pandemic, its big week, the one that gives way to the most important events of the Fallas, its party par excellence.

, both large and small, are planted in the streets of the city, the smell of gunpowder in the air mixes with that of chocolate and fritters, and joy and tradition are breathed in every corner.

Among all the activities prepared by the City Council, the commissions or groups of falleros, the hotel industry and other institutions, there are some that are essential if you want to fully enjoy the festival classified as of International Tourist Interest.

Here are some that no one should miss if they go to Las Fallas.

1. See a mascletà

If you are in Valencia it is difficult not to see (or hear) one of the most exciting fallas acts.

Until March 19, every day

this incredible and deafening spectacle of firecrackers and firecrackers is fired at an ascending rate.

Also in Cirilo Amorós street, mascletàs are fired daily at 2:30 p.m.

2. Visit the Fallas monuments

Each neighborhood has its falla planted by its groups of falleros, but the most spectacular in the city are those that make up the Special Section.

On March 16, the Junta Central Fallera jury will make public which is the best falla of 2023. One of the ones that must be seen yes or yes, although it is out of competition, is that of the Consistory, located in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

There are guided routes to walk the streets in search of the most beautiful fallas.

Reservations and more information here.

3. The Flower Offering

It is one of the most emotional acts, since all the Fallas commissions make an offering of flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados, patron saint of the city.

In the Plaza de la Virgen an immense reproduction of the patron saint has been placed, which is adorned with a colorful cloak with the flowers that the falleros offer her.

In honor of the Virgin, on the afternoons of March 17 and 18, a parade is held that runs through the streets of La Paz and San Vicente, with falleras and falleros of all ages dressed in typical costume, together with bands of music.

4.

Nit del Foc (Night of Fire)

During the big days, from March 16 to 18, at midnight, fireworks star in Valencian nights.

The show takes place in the old bed of the Turia river, the Jardín del Turia at the height of the Palau de Les Arts.

The most spectacular evening is on the 18th, when the Nit del Foc is triggered, an incredible

that lasts about 20 minutes and completely lights up the city.

More than 1,200 kilos of gunpowder are thrown into the air in multiple shapes and colors.

5. Fire Ride

On March 19, the prelude to the cremà takes place.

Starting at 6:00 p.m., an animated show with characters related to fire runs along Calle Colón, from Ruzafa to Puerta del Mar. Fire begins to invade the city.

6. The Cream

It is the final fireworks of the festivities, the moment that Valencians await the most, in which the Fallas monuments are devoured by flames.

On the night of March 19, the day of San José, the older falleras light the fuse, starting the cremà, which will reduce all the fallas to ashes.

First the children's ones are burned (8:00 p.m.) and then the big ones (10:00 p.m.), with the exception of the first prize in the Special Section and that of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which will burn at 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., respectively.

7. Fritters, chocolate and paella

At any time, anywhere... dozens of stalls dot the city offering the traditional

To these are added cafes and bars, such as Bertal in Plaza de la Reina or Daniel in Mercado Colón or the horchaterías Santa Catalina (Plaza de Santa Catalina, 6), Fabián (Ciscar, 5) or El Collado (Doctor Collado, 13 ).

The sweet feels good at any time.

And how not to taste a delicious Valencian paella.

During the Fallas, contests are organized for this traditional dish that the clubs cook on the same street.

A good rice is always in the mood, so you just have to make a reservation at any of the numerous restaurants in the city.

The Valencian Community and the city of Valencia have launched wikipaella, an initiative that brings together trusted locals who cook paella with the original recipe.

Among some of the restaurants recognized for this dish are:

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more