As we dive into March, you can already  feel the excitement buzzing in Valencia – and for a good reason. The city is alive with energy, after the vibrant Crida, which officially kicked off the Fallas festivities. This year’s Crida included an amazing acrobatic show filled with lights, music, and tradition, setting the perfect vibe for all the celebrations ahead. The Ninot Exposition has also been open for a while now, showcasing the incredible artistry and creativity of the falleros as they prepare their stunning sculptures. As we explained in our previous blog, each ninot tells a story, often infused with humor and social commentary, and soon you will be able to see the big Fallas sculptures towering above them, as the city prepares for the big celebrations next week.

In today’s blog, we’re here to help you gear up for all the exciting Fallas events, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the festivities! From the thrilling mascletà to the lively verbenas (which we’ll get into a bit later), you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Plus, we’ll cover the heartfelt ofrenda, a beautiful tribute that showcases the spirit of the celebration. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Valencia and experience the city like never before!

The daily Mascletà: A Must-See Experience

Kicking off on March 1st, the heart of Valencia bursts into life with a daily mascletà in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 2PM. These incredible firecracker displays are a true highlight of the Fallas festival, and if you asked anyone, they would say that this daily mascletà not only fills the air with exhilarating sounds but also builds the excitement and suspense for the festiviites ahead.

Each mascletà is like a carefully choreographed performance, where a symphony of explosions creates a rhythm that resonates through the streets. The anticipation builds as the crowd gathers, and when the first firecracker goes off, it’s like a wave of energy sweeps over everyone. You can feel the vibrations in your chest, and the atmosphere is electric!

This isn’t just a show; it’s a cherished tradition that captivates everyone present. People come from all over to witness the magic of the mascletà, and it’s easy to see why. Make sure to grab your friends, find a good spot, and get ready to be amazed!

Streets transformed to embrace the festivities

As the festival approaches, Valencia undergoes a remarkable transformation that’s nothing short of magical. Streets will be cut off to accommodate the festivities, allowing for a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. This means that pedestrians can roam freely without the worry of traffic. It creates a lively, pedestrian-friendly environment where everyone can fully immerse themselves in the celebration.

You´re probably wondering what to expect on all of these streets and the truth is that that the city turns into a hub of activity and movement. You´ll see colourful decorations and big bright lights along all of the streets and one of the key aspects is the nightlife, specifically the verbenas, mobile discos, and tents that light up the city every night during the Fallas festival. These street parties and festivities aren´t difficult to spot as they are usually held in large tents or open spaces set up by different fallas communities.

These street parties will start from Saturday, March 8th and end on Tuesday, March 18th and usaully follow a timetable from 10PM – 4AM. The type of vibe and music really depends on the verbena itself, some have local bands performing traditional Valencian music and classic hits, whilst others prefer reggaeton or techno. The important thing is that there is a LOT of choice!

Food trucks & typical Fallas snacks

During Fallas, the streets turn into a foodie paradise with churro stands and food trucks popping up everywhere! You can’t miss the smell of crispy churros frying up, perfect for dunking in a cup of thick, velvety hot chocolate. And let’s not forget about buñuelos—these fluffy, sweet fritters are like little bites of heaven, often dusted with sugar or filled with creamy goodness. It’s all about grabbing a churro or a buñuelo while soaking in the festive vibes, chatting with friends, and enjoying the wild energy of the festival. Trust me, indulging in these treats while surrounded by all the chaos of Fallas is an experience you won’t want to miss!

While the sweet treats usually steal the spotlight during Fallas, the savory snacks are just as tempting and definitely worth a try! One of the festival favorites is the bocata, a hearty sandwich stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings, from jamón to chorizo or even morcilla (a type of blood sausage very typical in Spain) making it the perfect fuel for a day of festivities. Then there are salchipapas, a mouthwatering combo of crispy fries topped with sausage slices, often drizzled with sauces that add a kick of flavor. You’ll also find other delights like empanadas and tortilla española, which are great for sharing or just devouring on your own. One things for sure, you´ll have to try all of them to get a real taste of Fallas!

Schedule of main events

To help you locate yourself before all the madness, we have included a schedule with the main Fallas events to make sure you don´t miss a single thing! Stick to this and you´ll experience Fallas like a local:

• March 1st-19th: Daily mascletà at 2PM
• March 8th (23:59): Firework display at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town hall)
• March 9th (20:00) : Firework display at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town hall)
• Saturday, 15th March: Installation of all the children´s Fallas followed by the daily Mascletà, verbenas, celebrations..
• Sunday, 16th March: Installation of all Fallas followed by the daily Mascletà, verbenas, celebrations..
• March 18th – March 19th: «The Ofrenda» (Our next blog will tell you all about this event)
• March 19th: Burning of all Fallas starting at 20:30