The official start of Fallas 2025: The Ninot exhibition
Las Fallas is far more than just a celebration of parties, dancing, and drinks. At its core, the festival is a profound expression of art, culture, and community, which are brought to life through both the ninots and fallas of each community. These sculptures represent months of dedication and work, and embody both uniqueness and creativity.
They offer insightful social, political, and cultural commentary, serving as a reflection of society and its current state. Each ninot and falla encapsulates a story, a message, and a piece of history, making the festival not only a visual feast but also a meaningful celebration of collective identity and resilience.
What are ninots and what role do they play in Fallas?
A ninot is a life-sized figure made from materials like wood, papier-mâché, and foam, often designed to represent humorous, political or environmental themes. These creations are a key part of Las Fallas and are a main attraction point all over the city. While ninots are typically seen as colorful, over-the-top sculptures that grace the streets during the festival, their origins actually trace back to simpler times.
Historically, ninots started as small sculptures made from scraps of wood and cloth, created by local artisans to burn during La Cremà as a symbol of getting rid of old, unused items during the arrival of spring. However, as time went on, these figures evolved into intricate, larger-than-life works of art that became a central part of the celebration.
What makes ninots so special is their unique combination of artistry, humor, and social commentary. They often reflect current events, pop culture, and even political situations, making them a powerful tool storytelling. Every year, hundreds of ninots are displayed in various neighborhoods, with many representing clever, funny, or poignant observations on society.
Inauguration of the Exposición del Ninot
Until the 15th of March, one of Valencia´s most impressive buildings, the Museum of Science will host the Exposición del Ninot, a unique exhibit where you can see a preview of what the Fallas will be like, set to arrive on the streets of the city in just a month and a half. This exhibit gives its viewers a wonderful opportunity to witness the level of skill and creativity involved in making each piece and let them enjoy the sculptures in a quieter environment, without the crowds of people and noise of the normal Fallas routine.
The inauguration is attended by the Mayor of Valencia, the president of the Central Fallera Board, and of course, the Fallera Mayor of Valencia. During her speech this year, the mayor emphasized the symbolic value of the ninots, as well as the effort and resilience of the Fallas community.
As every year, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite ninots to be spared from the fire. The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Thursday from 10am-8pm, and on weekends until 9pm, with special hours on March 14th and 15th. The entrance fee is 3 euros for adults and 1.5 euros for children aged 4 to 12, seniors over 65, and people with disabilities.
How did Fallas start and what do they represent?
Las Fallas has its origins in a centuries-old tradition in Valencia which actually dates back to the Middle Ages. The festival initially began as a pre-Lenten celebration, with carpenters and artisans burning scraps of wood and leftover materials to mark the arrival of spring. Over time, these simple bonfires evolved into larger, more elaborate creations which are known as fallas.
By the 18th century, these wooden figures became more detailed and artistic, often depicting famous personalities or political figures. Eventually, the fallas became central to the city’s spring celebrations, with neighborhoods (called falla commissions) competing to create the most impressive sculptures. The culmination of the festival is La Cremà, when the fallas are burned in a grand finale, symbolizing the cycle of life, renewal, and the impermanence of art.
The significance of the fallas lies in their cultural and artistic value. They represent creativity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of community. The festival has grown into an expression of Valencia’s identity, blending art, humor, social commentary, and tradition. It’s an opportunity for the city to come together, celebrate, and showcase the work of local artisans, making Las Fallas one of the most important and unique cultural events in Spain.
What should I expect during Fallas?
During the Fallas Festival, you can expect an unforgettable celebration filled with vibrant parades, incredible fireworks displays, traditional music, and, of course, the stunning ninots. One of the highlights is the mascletà, a thrilling daytime fireworks display that takes place every day during the festival, with bursts of firecrackers and explosions that shake the city to its core.
The burning of the sculptures, known as La Cremà, is the pinnacle of the Fallas Festival, drawing crowds from all over to witness the fiery spectacle. However, each day of Fallas builds excitement, with every new event, parade, and mascletà brighter and bolder than the last. The entire festival is full of energy and creativity, making every moment leading up to the grand finale just as thrilling as the burning itself!
