What is Las Fallas?

The name Las Fallas, referred to as Falles in English, literally means “the fires” in Valencian. Residents of each of the neighborhoods, known as the Casal faller, gather together, plan, organize and construct figures known as ninots (“puppets” or “dolls”), made of various materials such as cardboard, wood, paper-machè or plaster. These figures can cost up to €75,000 according to online research, though when I visited there, I was told they can cost up to €150,000!

You may be wondering how can something made of such cheap materials be so expensive?

Well, would you believe it if I told you they can be up to five stories tall? Intricately painted and designed by local artists, which can take the entire year to complete, and and then placed in a central area of each neighborhood (most likely in the middle of an intersection). This day is known as la plantà (the rising).

Aren’t yet convinced? Have a look at actually how cool they look!

Typically, the ninots of today are constructed to represent satirical scenes or current events, particularly in the political sense such as the Spanish politicians. I remember when we were there in 2013, there was a depiction of the botched restoration of the nearly century year old Fresco Ecce Homo by Elías García Martínez by amateur painter Cecilia Giménez.

So you may be thinking what happens with these figures? They just sit in the middle of road and then what happens?

Well, the answer is in the name of the festival: Las Fallas, the fires. On March 19^th of each year, starting in the early evening, the residents prepare for the La Cremá (the burning). The ninots get burned to the ground. And not just lit on fire with a match or something as simple as that.

No, they get stuffed with fireworks.

Each year, one ninot is spared from destruction by popular vote. This ninot, called ninot indultat (the pardoned puppet) is then placed in the local Musuem of the Ninots with the pardoned puppets from previous years.

So far this is what we’ve got. Each year, residents spend thousands of euros to build these intricate figures, devote countless hours designing and decorating them to every detail and in the end they completely destroy them by fire. The big question here is why?

What is the history behind Las Fallas?

Though not completely clear, the most widely recognized origins date back to the 16^th century, when the residents of Valencia would use streetlights during the long nights of winter. These lamps were hung on a wooden device used for lighting, known as a parot, and when the spring began and these lights were no longer needed, they would burn it them on St. Joseph’s Day, the patron saint of carpenters. This would be a way to welcome the spring as well.

We were able to visit the festival on the 18^th, the day before la Cremá, which was great because we had time to check out many of the ninots which are scattered throughout the city.

Besides the actual figures, there are also tons of other activities going on during the festival. Many residents dress in traditional clothing and play instruments such as the dolçaina (an oboe-like reed instrument) and tabalet (a kind of Valencian drum).

There are also fireworks in the evening and live music parties in the streets, equipped with food and drink.

If you plan on going to Las Fallas, make sure to book accommodation ahead of time as up to 2 million visitors are expected to come to Valencia each year to participate.

Overall, this is one of the coolest, most unique festivals I’ve ever been to and it should definitely not be missed!

[Visit Valencia], [Don Quijote]

If you’ve never had the chance to visit one of my favorite places on earth, here are some important things to know before you go. If you have been there before, perhaps you can relate and add to this list!

The word “Spaniard” carries with it a multitude of physical characteristics.

Like most countries in the world, there are “typical” physical characteristics of the genealogy, but don’t expect that every Spaniard you see will share the same features. Yes, a typical trait is darker hair and eyes, but there are of course the exceptions.

In fact, when I first lived in Granada in southern Spain, I was really surprised by the lighter skin tone of many of the residents. With such a radiating hot sun, I was expecting everyone to be golden brown all year long. Also, in the Basque country in northern Spain, for example, they are known for having “typical Basque features” such as a larger nose.

> Bulls are a national symbol, but bullfighting is losing its popularity.

While you can still find many bars throughout certain regions of Spain with groups of (usually older Spanish men) shouting “Vamos!” at the matadors on TV, bullfighting is actually losing its popularity quickly, especially among the young generations. It has also been banned in the Catalonia region in 2012.

According to a study by the Humane Society International, only 29% percent of the population supporting it and 13% supporting it “strongly”.

That doesn’t mean you won’t find bull symbols everywhere! At the bars, in the food, around the city and even the infamous Osborne Bull along the highway. Bulls have become a symbol of Spain both nationally and internationally.

Spanish isn’t the only language spoken, but you just probably brush up on the basics before you go.

While Spanish is the official language, there are also four other co-official languages spoken:

• Aranese: co-official in Catalonia, mainly spoken in the Pyrenean comarca of the Val d’Aran (Aran Valley) in north-western Catalonia.
• Basque: co-official language in Pais Vasco (Basque Country) and northern Navarre.
• Catalan: co-official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, a variation of Valencian and in the Valencian Community.
• Galician: co-official in Galicia.

Along with these languages, almost everyone also speaks Spanish, but in most places, especially not in the tourist center, the people will just speak Spanish, or their other regional language. If you don’t want to be seen as a complete Guiri, the slang word for foreigners, then try to learn some necessary phrases before you go.

“Siesta” isn’t everywhere, but don’t expect things to be open all the time.

In the smaller towns throughout Spain and especially in Andalusia, siesta is an important part of the day. Typically between 1:30-2pm and 5 to 6pm the shops will be closed so the workers can have lunch, usually the biggest meal of the day, and then have a short rest after. This is also the hottest part of the day, with the streets nearly empty, so you can imagine why being inside during this time is a tradition.

In the larger cities, especially Madrid and Barcelona, you will find many more things open all day. But this isn’t a sure thing, so if there is something you absolutely need make sure of the hours before you push it off until later! Also, most places will be closed on Sundays, but again, depends on where you are.

Nightlife starts between 2-3am.

Restaurants typically open around 8pm, bars a bit later. Most nightclubs don’t open until 12am, however, and don’t expect them to be full until at least 2am. You can imagine why Spaniards are famous for partying the whole evening, it doesn’t start until morning!

To go to a fancier place, you can typically get a discount if you buy the entrance from a promoter, usually accompanied by a really disgusting “free shot”. Also, you can sometimes get discounts by going before 12am, but sometimes you can’t leave and re-enter so you’re stuck buying drinks at the bar. But any trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without joining in on the party!