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The Fallas Countdown Begins: What not to miss in February

If you’ve ever been in Valencia at the end of February, you´ll instantly know what we´re talking about. For those who have not experienced it yet, you´re in luck. The anticipation for Fallas – the city’s biggest and most beloved festival—builds up for months. It’s not just a party; it’s a full-on cultural event that’s at the heart of Valencian identity and it’s the festival that everyone in Valencia waits for all year long.

 

Before the final fireworks go off and the giant Fallas sculptures go up in flames, there’s a whole build-up that starts a whole month in advance. The daily mascletás (those wild, thunderous firecracker displays that shake the ground beneath your feet) are a constant reminder that things are about to get real. But what really gets things rolling are two key events that kick off the festivities – La Crida and the Ninot Exposición. These moments set the stage for Fallas, giving everyone a taste of the art, energy, and tradition that make Fallas the celebration it is.

 

Our blog today will tell you everything you need to know about La Crida and the Ninot Exposición and explain how they shape the lead-up to one of the most unforgettable festivals in Spain.

 

Ninot Exposición – What is it and why is it important?

A ninot is a large, intricate figure or sculpture created for the Fallas festival in Valencia. These figures are usually made from materials like wood, papier-mâché, and foam, and they can be incredibly detailed, often standing several meters tall. The ninots represent various themes, from satirical takes on political events to humorous portrayals of social issues, or sometimes they depict artistic and traditional figures.

 

Each year, Fallas commissions showcase their most significant ninots from the large and children’s monuments, hoping one of them will be pardoned. This means that at the end of the exhibition, the two ninots that receive the most public votes will be saved from being burned during the final burning ceremony on March 19th.

 

This year, the Ninot Exhibition will be held from January 31st to March 15th, at the Museum of Sciences in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. The Children’s Ninot Exhibition will finish a day earlier, on March 14th, so you’ll have a little extra time to see both the large and children’s ninots. One of the highlights of this exhibition is that it allows you to experience these incredible figures in a calm and organized environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets during the Fallas celebrations. The museum, with its futuristic architecture, provides the perfect backdrop to admire the artwork up close. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite ninot, and who knows – maybe your vote will help save one from being burned!

 

At the core of Fallas is the idea of destruction and renewal. The ninots are crafted to be burned in the grand finale of the festival, known as la cremà. This ritual symbolizes the burning away of the old to make way for the new. Despite this inevitable destruction, the ninots represent the climax of months of work, and their fiery end is a powerful metaphor for both the impermanence of art and the resilience of the city and its people.

 

La Crida: The Official Start of Fallas

La Crida is one of the most significant and emotional events in the Fallas festival, marking the official start of this vibrant celebration in Valencia. It’s not just a ceremonial announcement – it’s a moment that unites the people of Valencia and visitors to the city because it welcomes and invites everyone to join in the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming days filled with art, tradition, and fire. La Crida is celebrated on February 23rd, 2025. 

 

The origins of La Crida date back to 1934, when it was first introduced as a public ceremony to mark the start of the Fallas festival. Before that, the festival’s beginning was simply a more informal announcement or gathering. However, in 1934, the idea was proposed to make the opening of Fallas a public event that would bring the people of Valencia together, creating a sense of unity and excitement for the festival ahead. La Crida was initially a much simpler event. The first official ceremony involved the Fallera Mayor making a public proclamation, inviting everyone to participate in the festival. Over time, the event evolved into the grand celebration we see today, complete with fireworks, music, and a large public gathering.

 

La Crida isn’t just the official start of Fallas—it’s a moment of collective celebration. It brings together Valencians from all over and sets the stage for the creativity, and exuberance that will follow in the weeks leading up to the cremà, the final act of burning the Fallas monuments. The event is unique in its ability to make everyone feel involved, whether they’re locals or tourists, regardless of whether they’ve been part of Fallas traditions for years or if it’s their first time experiencing it.

 

It’s also a chance to witness the Fallera Mayor, the person who represents the essence of the festival, in one of her most important duties. The Fallera Mayor’s speech calls for unity and joy as the city prepares for the festivities to come. Following the speech, the sky is illuminated with a stunning fireworks display, symbolizing the official start of Fallas and the energy that will fill the city over the following weeks.

 

Conclusion

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience this year! Join us for a special activity that includes both the Ninot Exposición and La Crida, two essential events marking the start of the Fallas festival. For just 10€, you’ll get entry to the Ninot Exposición, where you can admire the stunning sculptures up close. Afterward, we’ll head to La Crida, where you can witness the excitement of the official start of Fallas and immerse yourself in the energy of the crowd.

This is a great opportunity to meet new people, dive into the heart of Valencia’s biggest celebration, and experience the magic of Fallas like a local. Don’t miss it! 💥🎉

For more details or to sign up, contact us at:
📧 euroace@euroace.net
📞 +34 699 795 751

#Fallas2025 #NinotExposición #LaCrida #EuroaceExperience #FallasValencia #CulturalEvents

 

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