Every year, the city of Valencia comes alive with the excitement and energy of Fallas, a festival unlike any other in Spain. It’s a time when the streets are filled with creative and breath-taking sculptures, vibrant processions and offerings, and fireworks lighting up the night sky.

But before all that begins, there is one pivotal moment that marks the true start of the festivities: La Crida. Held on the last Sunday of February, La Crida is a symbolic call to the people of Valencia to join in the month-long celebration. This opening ceremony officially kicks off the Fallas festival and it is both the stunning visuals and the heartfelt speeches that encapsulate everything that makes Fallas a festival worth experiencing.

Our blog this week takes you on a journey through La Crida. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into a grand, citywide event, we’ll explore how La Crida has changed throughout the years and the importance of the Falleras Mayores.

What is the La Crida?

La Crida, meaning «the call» in Valencian, is a ceremonial event that signals the official start of Fallas. The Crida is a grand and emotional occasion, where the Falleras Mayores de Valencia (the main representatives of the festival) stand at the Serrano Towers, a stunning historical landmark, and invite everyone – residents, visitors, and all those involved in the festival – to immerse themselves in the festivities and to welcome the start of the festival.

This tradition began in 1934, and over the years, it has evolved into an iconic event, drawing thousands of people from across the city and beyond. But it’s not just about the speeches or the grand display of fireworks. La Crida is about honoring the values of community, heritage, and togetherness that Fallas represents.

The history of La Crida

La Crida, as it’s known today, began relatively recently in the context of the long history of the Fallas Festival. The origins of Fallas can be traced back to the Middle Ages, but the modern form of the festival, with its ninots (large, elaborate sculptures), fireworks, and street celebrations, developed over the 19th century. However, it wasn’t until 1934 that La Crida itself became an official part of the festivities.

The idea for the Crida arose from the desire to create an official opening ceremony for the festival. While the Fallas tradition was well-established, there had been no specific event to mark the beginning of the season. La Crida was conceived as a way to bring the people of Valencia together and signal the start of the celebrations. As previously mentioned, the first Crida took place in 1934, but it was a modest event compared to today’s grand spectacle. It was essentially a gathering where the Falleras Mayores made speeches to officially launch the festival.

The real transformation of La Crida into the massive, citywide celebration that it is today began in the 1990s. During this period, the Fallas Festival began to gain more international attention, and La Crida evolved into a larger, more public event. The Valencian government and Fallas committees recognized that the festival had the potential to be an even greater unifying force for the community.

In the early 1990s, La Crida was moved to a more central and visible location in the city. The speeches, once held in smaller venues, were now broadcast to a wider audience, with more emphasis placed on the ceremonial aspects of the event. It also began to incorporate elements of performing arts, music, and fireworks, making it a true showthat showcased the «grandeur»of the festival.

By 2000, La Crida had firmly cemented itself as the official start of the Fallas season. The event became more professional, with the speeches becoming more polished and the overall atmosphere growing increasingly festive. Now, the Crida was no longer just a local ceremony; it had become an event that welcomed visitors from all over the world.

The role of the Falleras Mayores: A symbol of tradition and modernity

Throughout La Crida’s history, the role of the Falleras Mayores has remained central. These women are the highest representatives of Fallas, and their presence during La Crida is a powerful symbol of continuity. The Falleras Mayores are chosen for their involvement in the community and their dedication to preserving Valencian traditions.

In the past, the Falleras Mayores’ speeches were more formal and less interactive, focusing largely on tradition and local pride. Over the years, however, their speeches have become more dynamic and inclusive, reflecting a growing sense of the festival as a celebration for everyone. Today, the speeches often invite all Falleras and Falleros to unite and celebrate, regardless of background. The speeches have also evolved to include more messages of community unity, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as an embrace of modernity while respecting tradition.

Technological and Artistic advancements in La Crida

In recent years, technological advances have significantly impacted the way La Crida is celebrated. The event is now broadcast live on television and through social media platforms, bringing the excitement to an even broader audience. Fireworks, laser shows, and projections add an extra layer of eye-catching displays, making it a stunning experience that blends history with modern innovation.

The artistic side of Fallas has also evolved, with ninots also becoming more sophisticated and interactive. Though the first ninots were simple caricatures, today’s sculptures can be incredibly intricate, telling stories about politics, society, and even global issues. This artistic transformation is reflected in the messages conveyed during La Crida as well, with the event embracing a more contemporary approach while maintaining a connection to the past.

EUROACE´S La Crida Activity

Don’t miss out on the start of Fallas 2025 this year!

Join us for a special activity this Sunday, February 23rd, 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 and afterwards, we’ll head to La Crida, where you can experience firsthand what the opening ceremony is all about!

To sign up, please either send us an email or a Whatsapp:

📧 euroace@euroace.net
📞 +34 699 795 751

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