The 9 key elements of FALLAS 2024 - you need to know about them
When I think of the Fallas, I think of a a whirlwind of colour, a symphony of music and an explosion of joy that envelops the streets of Valencia. It is a festival that transcends the ordinary, where every corner becomes a living canvas full of creativity and passion.
Las Fallas are more than just papier-mâché monuments; they are symbols of identity, tradition and community, created by fallero artists over the course of a whole year. It is a moment when the whole city comes together in a unique celebration, where fire purifies and renews, and fun overflows in every corner.
And to understand this holiday in all its aspects, you need to know about these 9 key elements And, of course, to experience them first hand! So if you come to the Fallas of Valencia 2024, be attentive and don't miss any of the events we tell you about below.*Full programme at the end
1.- La Plantà
The first item on our list refers to a moment of great emotion for the falleros and falleras, but also for all visitors and onlookers. At last, the monument that the falleros have been creating for a whole year is finally on its feet for everyone to see.
Plantà comes from »plantar», that is, to set something up.
The days 14 and 15 March, you will be able to see the fallero artists finishing their creations, so that on the morning of the 16th everything is ready, At that time, the jury will go through all the Fallas to evaluate them.
TIP: If you go on the 16th to see the Fallas, there are probably loads of people who want to go and see them finished. The evening of the 15th is even more special if you want to be the first to see the artist finishing his work.
2.- The Mascletà
One of the focal points of this celebration declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the mascletà.
This year, from 1 March to 19 March, every day at 14:00h the Town Hall Square, where our beloved »cathedral of gunpowder» is located, will vibrate like never before in this fireworks display Don't know what it's all about? You have an appointment to see it!
TIP: We recommend you to go to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 12h and have a beer before it all starts, and if you can go before the week of Fallas there will be much less people. At 13h it's already crowded and you won't be able to get to the streets closest to the Town Hall.
3.- THE VERBENAS
One of the main elements in our Fallas is the street party and that in Valencian is the same as »verbena». Each "casal fallero" holds its own party and plays music until almost dawn.
Here are some of the ones that are a must for you to have a good dance:
The Verbena de la Falla Vicente Sancho Tello in the Aragón area, the Verbena de Blanquerías, next to the Torres de Serranos, the Verbena del Parterre, the Verbena de la Falla Císcar-Burriana in the Ruzafa area or the verbenas around the Town Hall area.
TIP: If you like good house music, near the Botanical Garden you will find a Falla (Falla Borrul-Socors) with a verbena where you can enjoy the best house atmosphere in Valencia during all the festivities. TheFallas by Thebasement. - Exact location: Plaza de San Sebastián
4.- Fireworks
The most »romantic» element of the Fallas, and one that could not be missed, where time will stand still for a moment and the sky will be filled with magic and colour: the castles of nocturnal fireworks.
Here are the 4 wonders...
Nocturnal Pyrotechnics
For 3 days in a row and before the official Fallas week begins, we start to get into the Fallas mood with three nights of pyrotechnics at the Town Hall.
- Friday 8th March 23:59h. - Pyrotechnic show at night in the Town Hall Square. Pyrotechnics Nadal-Martí.
- Saturday 9 March 23:59h. - Pyrotechnic show at night in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Tamarit.
- Sunday 10 March 23:59h. - Pyrotechnic show at night in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Valenciana.
L'Albà
This tradition dates back to 1966 and 1967, when it was first performed during the Nit de la Plantà. After a break, it was revived in 2016. It consisted of all the Fallas commissions of Valencia launching small firework displays to celebrate the Fallas together. Today it is a great night-time fireworks display that takes place in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and retains that »special meaning» of yesteryear.
Friday 15th March, 23:59h. Altana Pyrotechnics. In the Town Hall Square of Valencia.
Turia fire castle
The first fireworks display in the old Turia riverbed, which has now become the lungs of the city. We are still at the epicentre of the festival and there is still a lot to enjoy!
Saturday 16th March 23:59h. by Pirotècnia Martí. From the Turia Garden, near the Palau de les Arts.
Nit del Foc
A radiant and vibrant night that heralds the triumphant closing of the Fallas, it is the longest lasting spectacle of all, the beginning of the end of the festival, in short, the last night before burning them.
On Monday 18th March, 23:59h, by Pirotecnia Caballer FX, in the Turia Garden, near the Palau de les Arts.
5.- The Offering
The importance of flowers. During this two-day event, all of the city's fallas start their own procession with a unique destination: the Plaza de la Virgen. There, carnations are offered to adorn the floral mantle of the patron saint of Valencia, the Virgen de los Desamparados, also known as the Geperudeta due to her characteristic hump. This design, 15 metres high and built with wooden beams, was installed for the first time in 1987.
On Sunday 17th and Monday 18th March, with a route that crosses the main streets of La Paz and San Vicente until it reaches the Plaza de la Virgen.
A visit to the Plaza de la Virgen on these days is a must, its beauty will dazzle you.
6.- The Special Section
There are always some Fallas that stand out above the rest, the most spectacular ones, and they are usually: Falla Convento de Jerusalem, Falla del Ayuntamiento, Falla del Mercado Central, Falla Na Jordana, Falla Cuba Literato-Azorín, Falla Sueca Literato-Azorín or Falla Plaza del Pilar among others. They are classified in the highest category of the contest sponsored by the Junta Central Fallera, because they are the biggest, the ones that usually win, the most famous...
And I know someone who can take you to see them first hand, in a unique Fallas itinerary where you will learn the secrets of some of the Fallas of the special section.
*click here to find out more and learn first-hand about all the curiosities of this unique festivity in the world*.
7.- The Fire
Fire is present during all the Faults, is a crucial element that sweetens and at the same time excites the falleros, as it also brings the festivities to an end:
La Cremà
It is held on 19 March, San José, a very special day for the falleros as it is the day of the patron saint of carpenters and marks the origin of this festivity (San José).do you know its origins? click here). And paradoxically, it is the day that brings the Fallas to an end: the works of art built with dedication, effort and a lot of heart will turn to ashes that very night.
Cremà, refers to burning.
It marks the end, but a new beginning, the motivation to start, already in the following weeks, to think about what to create for next year's Fallas.
On Tuesday 19th March you will be able to find the »cremàs» of all the monuments in the streets of Valencia. From 20h the children's cremàs and from 22h all of them.
The Ride of Fire
Refers to the prequel of the cremà, of what is to come.
A great spectacle in the form of a »correfocs» through the city centre where, of course, fire is the main protagonist.
The parades, with plenty of representations of Valencian heritage such as fire dragons and other mythical creatures, will animate the streets of the urban heart with its hustle and bustle, liveliness and melodies.
Sunday 19th March from 18:00h - starting point C/Ruzafa and C/Colón
8.- The Lights
Decorations with lights in the streets of the city are also a landmark of the Fallas. There is one neighbourhood in particular, Ruzafa, where you can find the most spectacular ones. And there is a specific day when a small party is held and everyone gathers to watch the lights being switched on. We can assure you that it will leave you speechless.
Calle Cuba and Calle Sueca - Inauguration of the illuminated streets Friday, 8th March. Between 20:00 and 21:00 hours
9.- Typical Food
This Fallas you can't miss: a good esmorzaret, an authentic Valencian paella and some fritters with chocolate. Here are our best recommendations for places that are sure to hit the spot:
Rice
- Orchatería Sta Catalina
- Buñolería El Contraste
- Orchatería Mari Toñi
Doughnuts and chocolate
-Yarza
-Avoe
-Pelayo Gastrotrinquet
-Bar Cassalla
-Orson
-Cameleon
Covers
- Cassalla Bar
- Bar Ricardo
- The little piece in the middle
- Boatella
- Central Bar
- Cremaet Bar
- Ultramarinos Huerta
- Matoque Ruzafa
- Ultramarinos Agustin Rico
- The Rodamón of Ruzafa
- Zalamero and Baldomero
Lunch (El Esmorzaret)
- Cassalla Bar
- Bar Ricardo
- Central Bar
- La Cantina de Ruzafa
- New Oslo
EXTRA: COOL TERRACES!
-AteneaSky
-Hotel Palacio Sta Catalina
-Balcones Falleros for rent
Enjoy one of the most original festivals in the world. And if you have any doubts, or if you want to do something special in the Valencian Community, Valencia&Go We can advise you on whatever you need, contact us!
FULL PROGRAMME FALLAS 2024
Friday 1 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Peñarroja.
00:00 h. - Fireworks display at night in the Town Hall Square. Zaragozan Pyrotechnics.
Saturday 2 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Zaragozana.
17:30 h.- “Ninot Parade«. With the following itinerary: Departure from Glorieta, La Paz street, San Vicente, Town Hall Square, Marqués de Sotelo and ending in Xàtiva street. The parade will be closed by the entrance of the first pieces of the Falla Municipal “Dos Palomas. One branch”.
00:00 h. - Fireworks display at night in the Town Hall Square. Zarzoso Pyrotechnics.
Sunday 3 March
07:15 h. - “Children's ”Despertà" (Awakening) from the Plaça de la reina Material pirotècnic, La Petardería.
07:30h. - “Macrodespertà. Calle de la Paz and Calle San Vicente Mártir and will end in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with a spectacular earthquake. Pirotècnia Mediterráneo.
10:00 h. - Competition of the Cant de l'Estoreta.
12:00 h. - Entrance of Bands of Music in the Town Hall Square (The departure will be at 11:30 from the Tetuan Square).
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Gironina.
20:00 h.- “Crida”in the Serranos Towers. At the end, light and colour effects with a show.
Monday 4 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Camp del Túria.
Tuesday 5 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Dragon Pyrotechnics.
Wednesday 6 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Pibierzo.
Thursday 7 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Nadal-Martí Pyrotechnics.
17:30 h. - Tribute of the Armed Forces to the FFMMV and CCHH.
Friday 8 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Martí.
00:00 h. - Pyrotechnic show at night in the Town Hall Square. Pyrotechnics Nadal-Martí.
Saturday 9 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Tamarit.
00:00 h. - Night-time firework display in the Town Hall Square. Pyrotechnics Tamarit.
Sunday 10 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Alpujarreña.
20:00 h. - Pyrotechnic show at night in the Town Hall Square. Valencian Pyrotechnics.
Monday 11 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Tomás.
Tuesday 12 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Crespo.
Wednesday 13 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà”in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia Turís.
Thursday 14 March
14:00 h. - “Mascletà” in the Town Hall Square. Zarzoso Pyrotechnics.
17:00h.- Closing of the Children's Ninot Exhibition.
17:30 h. - Reading of the popular verdict and proclamation of the Children's “Ninot Indultat” of 2024.
17:45 h. - Collection of the ninots by the commissions until 20:00 h.
Friday 15 March
09:00 h. - “Plantà” of all the children's fallas.
14:00 h. - “Mascletà” in the Town Hall Square. Vulcano Pyrotechnics.
17:00h. - Closing of the Ninot Exhibition.
17:30h. - Reading of the popular verdict and proclamation of the “Ninot Indultat” 2024.
17:45 h.- Collection of the ninots by the commissions until 20:00h.
00:00 h.- L'Albà de las Fallas. Tradition recovered in 2016 thanks to the Falla Na Jornada and Junta Central Fallera, with a fireworks display in the Town Hall Square. Altana Pyrotechnics.
Saturday 16 March
08:00 h. -“Plantà” of all failures.
14:00h.- “Mascletà” in the Town Hall Square. Altana Pyrotechnics.
16:30 h. - Children's Awards Ceremony. In the tribune installed in the Town Hall for the distribution of prizes obtained for the children's Fallas in the different sections, as well as children's presentations, Ninot parade and children's Fallas llibrets.
00:00 h. - Castle of Fireworks in the Turia Garden, near the Palau de les Arts. Pirotècnia Martí.
Sunday 17 March
09:30h. - Awards Ceremony. In the tribune installed in the Town Hall for the distribution of prizes obtained for the Fallas in the different sections, as well as the competitions of illuminated streets, presentations and llibrets de falla.
14:00 h. -“Mascletà” in the Town Hall Square. Pyrotechnics Fx Caballer.
15:30 h. - Offering of flowers to the Mare de Déu.
OFRENDA - LA PAZ STREET
15:30 h.: Canyamelar-Grau- Natzaret
16:30 h.: La Xerea
17:00 h: Scratch
18:30 h.: Camins al Grau
20:15 h.: Ruzafa A
21:15 h.: Ruzafa B
22:00 h.: Pla del Reial Benimaclet
OFRENDA - CALLE SAN VICENTE
15:30 h.: El Pilar-Sant Francesc
16:30 h.: Patraix
17:45 h.: La Seu- El Mercat
18:15 h.: Botànic-La Petxina
19.15 h: Quart de Poblet-Xirivella
20:45 h.: Jesus
22:00 h.: Mislata
23:15 h.: Covered Cross
00:30 h.: Regional Houses.
00:40 h.: Local Boards.
00:45 h.: Falla de la Fallera Mayor Infantil de València, Marina García Arribas, Falla Manuel de Falla-Tamarindos.
00:50 h.: Official Delegations of Burgos, Murcia, Castellón and Alicante.
00:55 h.: Last five Falleras Mayores Infantiles de Valencia.
01.00 h.: Fallera Mayor Infantil de Valencia, Marina García Arribas and her Court of Honour. Accompanied by the members of JCF and the Municipal Band of Valencia.
00:00 h.: Castle of Fireworks in the Turia Garden, near the Palau de les Arts. Pirotècnia Turís.
Monday 18 March
10:30 h. - Tribute to the poet Maximiliano Thous, at his monument, located at the intersection of Sagunto and Maximiliano Thous streets.
With the collaboration of the Falla Fray Pere Vives- Bilbao - Maximiliano Thous.
12:00 h. - Tribute to Maestro Serrano, which will take place at his monument in the Avenida del Reino de Valencia.
14:00 h. - “Mascletà” in the Town Hall Square. Valencian Pyrotechnics.
15:30 h. - Offering of flowers a la Mare de Déu.
OFRENDA - LA PAZ STREET
15:30h.: Algirós
16:30 h.: Poblats Al Sud
17:45 h: Quatre Carreres
19:15 h.: Pla del Remei - Gran Vía
20:30 h.: Benimamet- Burjassot -Beniferri.
22:15 h.: Malvarrosa-Cabañal-Beteró
OFRENDA - CALLE SAN VICENTE
15:30 h.: Zaidia
17:00 h.: El Carmen
17:45 h.: Benicalap
19.00 h: Campanar
20:15 h.: La Roqueta-Arrancapins
21:45 h.: Olivereta
23:30 h.: Regional Houses.
23:40 h.: Invited entities
23:50 h.: Falla de la Fallera Mayor de Valencia, María Estela Arlandis Ferrando, Falla Obispo Jaime Pérez-Luis Oliag.
23:55 h.: Official Delegations of Burgos, Murcia, Castellón and Alicante.
00:00h.: Last five Falleras Mayores de Valencia.
00:05 h.: Fallera Mayor of Valencia, María Estela Arlandis Ferrando, and her Court of Honour. Accompanied by the members of JCF and the Municipal Band of Valencia.
00:00 h.: “NIT DEL FOC” Castle of Fireworks in the Turia Garden, next to the Palau de les Arts, Pirotècnia Fx Caballer.
Tuesday 19 March
11.00 h. - Offering of flowers of les Falleres Mayores de Valencia and their Cortes de Honor in front of the image of the Patriarch on the Sant Josep Bridge.
12:00 h. - Solemn Mass in honour of Sant Josep in the Cathedral of Valencia, officiated by the Archbishop of Valencia, Enrique Benavent and offered by Junta Central Fallera and the Guild of Carpenters. With the attendance of the Falleras Mayores de Valencia and their Cortes de Honor.
14:00 h. - “Mascletà” in the Town Hall Square. Pirotècnia del Mediterrani.
19:00 h. - Cavalcade of Fire which will start in the Calle de la Paz to the Plaza de la Porta la Mar.
20:00 h. - “Cremà” of the children's fallas.
20:30 h. - “Cremà” of the children's fault who has won the first prize in the Special Section.
21:00 h. - “Cremà” of the children's fault of the Town Hall Square.
22:00 h. - “Cremà” from all failures of Valencia.
22:30 h. - “Cremà” of the fault who has obtained the first prize of the Special Section.
23:00h. - “Cremà”of the fault of the Town Hall Square. Mediterranean Pyrotechnics.