If you’re planning to visit Valencia during Las Fallas for the first time, this guide has everything you need to know to experience the festival like a local: when to go, where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of every event.
Plus, we’ll share some practical tips so you don’t miss a single detail of this one-of-a-kind celebration.
Let’s dive in!
When to go: key dates
First things first – Fallas isn’t just about those famous days in March that everyone talks about.
Yes, from March 15 to 19 is when the festival is in full swing, but the action starts much earlier.
By the end of February, the city is already buzzing with excitement, especially with the Crida, the official opening ceremony.
This is when the Fallera Mayor, from the top of the Torres de Serranos, announces to the world that Fallas is about to begin.
It’s an emotional and spectacular moment!
But let’s get straight to the point: if you want to experience the heart of the festival, you need to be in Valencia between March 15 and 19.
The biggest day is March 19 – Saint Joseph’s Day – when the festival ends (and, in a way, begins again) with the Cremà.
This is when the giant artistic monuments that have been admired for days are set on fire.
It’s a mix of magic and melancholy—after all, these are true works of art, and in just a few moments, they’re reduced to ashes.
But that’s part of the tradition, right?
And don’t think that March 19 is just about the burning of the monuments.
The whole day is packed with parades, music, and streets overflowing with people.
It’s like the entire city is in a collective state of euphoria.
A quick tip: Plan ahead if you want to catch everything, because time flies, and there’s so much happening that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Where to stay
This is crucial: Valencia gets PACKED during Fallas. And that’s not an exaggeration.
The city is overflowing with people, so if you don’t want to end up paying a fortune (or worse, struggling to find a place to stay), book your accommodation as early as possible.
So, where should you stay?
If you want to be right in the heart of the action, look for a place in the city center or neighborhoods like Ruzafa, El Carmen, or Gran Vía.
These areas are lively, filled with Fallas monuments, music, and people everywhere.
However, if you prefer a quieter stay or are traveling with kids, consider staying in the outskirts of the city or near the beach.
You’ll need to commute a bit to get to the main events, but you’ll have a more relaxed place to rest at night.
For a truly immersive experience, another option is to stay near a major Falla monument.
Imagine stepping outside your door every morning to see massive, breathtaking works of art right in front of you!
But keep in mind: it gets LOUD, especially in the nights leading up to the Cremà.
Then again, if you’re coming to experience Fallas in all its glory, the noise is just part of the fun, right?
What to see: the Fallas monuments
One of the most spectacular aspects of the festival is the Fallas monuments themselves.
And no, they’re not just big papier-mâché figures.
They are true ephemeral works of art, filled with intricate details, social commentary, and a great sense of humor.
But here’s the deal: don’t try to see them all—there are over 700 Fallas scattered across the city.
Yes, you read that right—700! So the best strategy is to focus on the most important ones.
The top-tier Fallas are in the Special Section, the ones competing to be the very best.
Some of the most famous ones can be found in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Convento Jerusalén, and Plaza de la Reina.
They are massive, breathtaking, and will leave you speechless.
But don’t just stick to the big ones.
The neighborhood Fallas have a special charm. They’re smaller, sure, but full of personality and character.
Wandering through districts like Ruzafa or Benicalap, discovering less crowded but equally stunning Fallas, is an experience in itself.
And bonus: they tend to be less crowded, so you can take your time admiring them.
One thing you absolutely can’t miss is seeing the Fallas monuments at night.
When the lights turn on, they take on a whole new dimensionality like they come to life.
The special lighting gives them a magical and almost surreal feel, making the experience even more breathtaking.
Add the festive atmosphere, music, and crowds, and you’ve got an unforgettable scene.
That said, be prepared for big crowds—everyone wants to see them illuminated! But trust us, it’s worth it.
Must-see events
Alright, now things get serious. Fallas isn’t just about admiring stunning monuments (though that’s a big part of it).
There are key events that define the festival and missing them would be like leaving a movie before the ending.
So take note—these are essential.
1. La Mascletà
This is something you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.
Every day at 2:00 PM, in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the air explodes with gunpowder.
But it’s not just noise, it’s rhythm, it’s music made of sound, it’s an explosion of vibrations that you feel deep in your chest.
If you want a good spot, get there at least an hour early—the plaza gets completely packed.
And don’t be surprised if the sound is overwhelming, that’s part of the thrill.
By the end, when the entire crowd cheers and applauds, you’ll realize you’ve just experienced something truly unique.
2. La Nit del Foc
This is the grand fireworks show that leads up to the final night of Fallas.
Taking place in the early hours of March 18 to 19, this spectacular display lights up the sky over the Turia River, filling the night with an explosion of colors and emotions.
For the best view, grab a spot near the Puente de las Flores or the Puente de Aragón.
But honestly, you don’t need to be right in the front row.
The show is visible from almost anywhere along the river.
3. La Cremà
This is the grand finale, the moment when everything you’ve admired for days goes up in flames.
The smaller Fallas (children’s monuments) burn around 8:00 PM, while the larger ones start burning from 10:00 PM onwards.
But the most anticipated burning is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento Falla, which is usually the last to go, around midnight.
It’s a bittersweet moment, seeing these works of art turned to ashes is heartbreaking, but at the same time, it’s the essence of Fallas.
Fallas is about fire and fire purifies everything.
Fallas Food
After hours of walking, admiring the monuments, and getting your adrenaline fix from the fireworks, it’s time to refuel.
And here’s the thing, food is just as important as the festival itself.
First up: bunyols de carabassa (pumpkin fritters).
These delicious treats are sold at food stalls all over the city and are best eaten fresh.
You can have them with sugar or dipped in chocolate, but the classic version is simply dusted with sugar.
Pro tip: Eat them while they’re hot, they taste SO much better!
And of course, we can’t talk about Fallas without mentioning paella valenciana.
Yes, we know, paella is THE dish of Valencia, but trust us, it’s never the same outside of the city.
For a truly authentic experience, try a traditional wood-fired paella, just like the locals make it.
Want to take it up a notch? Join a local paella experience at the home of José Luis, a true paella master passionate about sharing his culinary traditions.
If you’re looking for something different, try:
- Arroz al horno (oven-baked rice) – A rich, comforting dish full of bold flavors.
- Fideuà – Similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
And don’t forget the drinks!
Pair your meal with a local Valencian wine or, if you’re in the mood for something refreshing, try horchata.
It’s a classic summer drink, but in Valencia, people drink it all year round, especially with fartons, soft, sweet pastries that are perfect for dipping.
Practical Tips
Before you dive headfirst into the Fallas madness (falleras), here are a few essential tips to make sure your experience is nothing short of amazing.
1. Dress Comfortably
You’ll be walking A LOT, so forget about stylish but uncomfortable shoes. Go for something you can walk in for hours.
And while the days can be warm, nights tend to get chilly, so bring an extra layer.
A Fallas scarf around your neck not only helps you blend in with the locals but also keeps you from catching a cold!
2. Getting Around
Your best bet? Walking or biking.
The city center is mostly closed to traffic, and while buses and the metro are running, they’re usually packed.
If you don’t mind walking, it’s the best way to explore—just make sure to use Google Maps or keep a city map handy because with all the excitement, it’s easy to lose your way.
3. Be Patient
Fallas is a huge festival, and crowds are part of the experience.
Be patient, especially during major events like La Mascletà or La Cremà.
If you’re traveling with kids, hold hands and stay alertly large crowds can get chaotic.
4. Respect the Traditions
Fallas is a deeply cherished festival for Valencians.
Treat the monuments with care, follow the guidance of the falleros, and most importantly, enjoy it all with respect.
Fallas Glossary – Key Terms You Should Know
Here’s your essential Fallas dictionary, a few words and phrases that will help you navigate the festival like a local:
- Xè! – A Valencian expression for basically everything: surprise, amazement, frustration… you name it!
- Mascletà – A thunderous daytime fireworks display at 2:00 PM in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It’s not about lights—it’s all about sound.
- Cremà – The moment when the Fallas burn down on March 19—the grand finale.
- Casal fallero – The headquarters of a Fallas community, where members gather for parties, meals, and celebrations.
- Traca – A long string of firecrackers that explode in a chain reaction.
- Fallero / Fallera – Someone who belongs to a Fallas commission and wears the traditional costume.
- Ofrenda – A parade of falleras carrying flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados.
- Petardazo – The bang of a huge firecracker—could be intentional or a surprise!
- Foc – Valencian for fire. You’ll hear this a lot.
- Xicoteta – Valencian for small. But if someone says “mascletà xicoteta” (small mascletà), don’t believe them—everything explodes just as loud.
- Tirador – Part of the traditional male fallero outfit.
- Pasacalle – A street parade where falleros march with their bands.
- Moño fallero – The traditional hairstyle worn by falleras, featuring three intricate buns and lots of hairpins.
- “A la una, a les dos i a les tres!” – What the pyrotechnician shouts just before lighting the Mascletà.
Experience Fallas Like a Local with Sazón The Folk Cook
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the heart of Fallas, don’t miss out on our exclusive culinary experiences with locals in Valencia.
Imagine sharing a homemade paella in the home of a fallero family, tasting freshly made bunyols de carabassa, or learning the secrets of traditional Valencian cuisine while laughing and sharing stories with locals.
At Sazón The Folk Cook, it’s not just about eating. It’s about experiencing Valencian culture from the inside.
So, are you ready to take your Fallas experience to the next level? Book now and discover the flavors of Fallas with the people who know them best.
We can’t wait to welcome you because Fallas isn’t just something you see, it’s something you taste and live!
