Valencia Fallas Festival: March 15-19 Events Guide

The vibrant city of Valencia comes alive in March with the world-famous Fallas Festival, a UNESCO-listed cultural event filled with spectacular sculptures, grand parades, and breathtaking fireworks. From March 15 to 19, the streets are bustling with tradition, artistry, and explosive celebrations. Here’s a guide to the key events happening during these five days:

March 15: La Plantà – The Grand Installation

On this day, the stunning Fallas sculptures are officially set up across the city. These massive, artistic monuments, crafted from wood, papier-mâché, and other materials, are placed in neighborhoods and city squares, each depicting satirical or cultural themes. It’s a day to explore the streets and witness the breathtaking craftsmanship before the fiery finale.

Time: All day

Location: Various spots across Valencia

Daily Events:

Mascletà (14:00, Plaza del Ayuntamiento) – A powerful midday firecracker display that shakes the city.
Night Fireworks Show (00:00, Turia Gardens).

A dramatic moment at the Valencia Fallas Festival, where a towering wooden structure is engulfed in flames. Firefighters stand in the foreground as fireworks illuminate the night sky, and crowds gather to witness the traditional burning of the fallas in a city square.

A vibrant night scene at the Valencia Fallas Festival, featuring costumed performers with horned masks and fiery props dancing in the streets. Fireworks light up the sky above historic buildings as crowds watch in awe, capturing the fiery spectacle on their phones.

March 16: Cabalgata del Fuego – The Fire Parade

A dazzling parade filled with fire, sparks, and mythical figures, the Cabalgata del Fuego marks the fiery essence of Fallas. Performers in elaborate flame-themed costumes, fire jugglers, and pyrotechnic spectacles light up Calle Colón in a breathtaking prelude to the festival’s climax.

Time: 19:00

Location: Calle Colón

Daily Events:

Mascletà (14:00, Plaza del Ayuntamiento).
Night Fireworks Show (00:00, Turia Gardens).

March 17-18: Ofrenda de Flores – Floral Tribute to the Virgin Mary

One of the most emotional moments of the Fallas Festival, the Ofrenda de Flores is a two-day tribute where thousands of Valencians dressed in traditional attire bring flowers to form an immense mosaic on the Plaza de la Virgen, honoring the city’s patron saint.

Time: From 15:30 until late evening

Location: Plaza de la Virgen

Daily Events:

Mascletà (14:00, Plaza del Ayuntamiento).
Night Fireworks Show (00:00, Turia Gardens, March 18: Nit del Foc – The Night of Fire).

A colorful parade during the Valencia Fallas Festival, showcasing a large float adorned with giant pumpkins and floral decorations. Crowds line the streets of a historic city, cheering as the intricately designed float passes by, with ornate buildings and a clock tower in the background.

March 19: La Cremà – The Grand Burning

The most awaited night of the festival, La Cremà, sees all the Fallas sculptures set ablaze in a spectacular farewell to the celebrations. It’s a night of fire, emotions, and tradition as Valencia bids goodbye to Fallas until the next year.

Time:

Children’s Fallas burn at 20:00
Regular Fallas burn at 22:00
The grand Fallas at Plaza del Ayuntamiento burns at 23:00

Location: Various spots across Valencia

Daily Events: Mascletà (14:00, Plaza del Ayuntamiento)

Plan Your Visit to Valencia Fallas Festival

Expect large crowds, so arriving early for the key events is recommended. The city’s public transport will be adjusted, and the best way to enjoy Fallas is on foot. Get ready to experience Valencia’s most exhilarating festival, where fire, art, and tradition come together in an unforgettable spectacle!

To see as many Fallas sculptures as possible, consider renting a bicycle or scooter and riding through the city to explore them all.