No, you mucky pups, this is not a phallic fest but rather it is time to Erect those Las Fallas in Valencia again.
Because Las Phallas are the flaws… and ours come in all shapes and sizes
As can be seen on the streets of Valencia in oversized satirical erections… of public figures.
That is apart from the last couple of years when Covid put it on hold.
Crida Credo
OK then, the Spanish fest all kicks off with the ‘Crida’ – the opening ceremony where the ‘Mayor of Falleras’ encourages citizens and visitors to enjoy the festival.
And it was declared an event of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2016, Las Fallas has returned.
There are traditional acts such as the mascleates (fireworks), late night parties, and art installations.
Where you’ll see around 800 monuments fill the streets from 15-19 March.
The origins of the fest are hundreds of years old.
That was when carpenters would burn old remains from their workshops every 19 March.
That coincides with the celebrations of San José, the patron saint of carpenters.
And this marked the end of winter and gave a warm welcome to spring.
So, if you’re in Valencia this week.
Or you’ve already enjoyed spectacle and fests as a whole then you’ll see this really does stand up as a magical fest get-away.
Gunpowder, music and art
One of the most spectacular acts of Las Fallas is the mascletà.
That’s Valèncian-style fireworks – daily at 2 pm until 19 March with a roar of gunpowder to shake off that sangria hangover.
In the evening, guests can visit the Turia Gardens for fireworks (and we love fireworks) at the castle.
On the nights of 15-16 March, València begins the planta.
The erection of monuments in the streets where 800 works of art are spread across 400 locations in the city.
These fallas are classified into different categories according to their complexity, size and originality and the locals work on them all the year around.
The most spectacular are placed in the historic centre – Ciutat Vella – and the neighbourhoods of Ruzafa and Gran Vía.
The best way to appreciate the monuments is with a guided tour.
And get a local to highlight the most spectacular sculptures and tell visitors the details and traditions of the festival.
Like all the best fests there is an awards ceremony in which the Fallas artists collect prizes for their masterpieces.
As well la ofrenda – the offering – in which the city offers flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados, the patron saint of València.
Festivalgoers dress in traditional attire, carry bouquets and walk the streets to the beat of local musicians.
The procession ends at the Plaza de la Virgen, where a giant image of the Patron Saint is installed and covered with flowers.
La Cremà – the end and beginning
With the ‘Cremà’ comes the final act of the Fallas. On 19 March, the sculptures are set aflame in great bonfires that cover the city.
The process is carried out in a staggered way, starting at 8pm with smaller statues and 11pm with the larger ones and the winners.
With the bonfires come the finale fireworks, which signal the end of Las Fallas.
Events are free to attend and 2022 flights from £17 via SkyScanner.
So Erect those Las Fallas in Valencia again.