Valencia is a city that feels completely different depending on the time of year you live here. Most of the time life is relaxed, sunny and very local, but during Las Fallas... the whole city turns into one big celebration. Living here means experiencing two completely different versions of the same city: the calm and relaxing everyday Valencia and the chaotic and exciting festive version. This is what both sides look like.
1. Daily life in Valencia
Most of the year, Valencia has a calm and relaxed atmosphere. People work or study during the day and enjoy the long evenings when the weather is good. The cafés and terraces are always full, but never crowded.
Each neighbourhood has its own charm. Places like Ruzafa, Benimaclet or El Carmen have a local and cosy feel, with small bars, bakeries and markets. Life is simple and revolves around daily routines, shopping and meeting friends.
In everyday life, people spend a lot of time outdoors: going to the beach, having picnics in the Turia Park or just taking a walk. Everything seems to be in balance.
2. Living in Valencia during Las Fallas
Las Fallas, the festival that completely transforms Valencia. What is normally a quiet city becomes a bustling, crowded and energetic city. All the streets are decorated with lights and huge sculptures (fallas) all over the city. Multiple events are held every day.
The biggest difference lies in the sound. Firecrackers go off day and night, especially during the mascletàs, which are held every day during the Fallas. There are street parties, churros stalls, music and fireworks everywhere. It is almost impossible to find a quiet moment in the city.
Each neighbourhood builds huge satirical statues that are displayed in the streets. There are more than 800 statues all over Valencia. The streets remain lively until late at night, or rather, until the early hours of the morning.
At the end of the Fallas, all the sculptures are burnt in huge bonfires all over the city. It is both an emotional and chaotic moment, marking the end of the festival and the return of the city to normality.
3. Normal life VS Las Fallas
In terms of atmosphere, daily life is calm and predictable, while Las Fallas is intense, noisy and overwhelming. In Valencia, routines are stable. During Las Fallas, on the other hand, sleep and schedules are often disrupted by constant noise and events everywhere.
Normally, it is easy to get around the city, the metro is not very busy and the streets are clear, but during the Fallas many streets are closed and public transport is affected by the crowds and celebrations.
The biggest difference you'll notice is the energy in the city. Most of the year it's calm and balanced, but during the holidays it's explosive and relentless.
4. Living in both worlds
Living in Valencia means adapting to both sides of the city. The tranquillity of everyday life brings balance, while Las Fallas brings excitement and unforgettable moments. Experiencing both makes the city feel alive in two completely different ways.
It is two experiences in one city. The contrast between everyday life and Las Fallas is what makes living here so unique. The quiet mornings, sunny beach days and peaceful neighbourhoods are just as important as the fireworks, street parties, crowds and festive nights.
Author David Simonjan