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The final burning of the largest effigy in Valencia's Plaza Ayuntamiento. Photo by Victoria Noble, © Whatsonwhen
When:
Mar 2009 (annual)
Where:
Plaza Ayuntamiento
Cost:
Free (some ninots charge entry to view up-close)
Opening Hours:
Fires begin on 15 Mar, final burning on 19 Mar
19 Mar: small fires for children begin at 10pm, the larger ones at midnight. Final fire in Plaza Ayuntamiento 1am
19 Mar: small fires for children begin at 10pm, the larger ones at midnight. Final fire in Plaza Ayuntamiento 1am
Valencia's biggest festival, Las Fallas takes place every March with a riotous week of city fires, explosions and parades in honour of Saint Joseph, attracting around two million people.
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The city is adorned with a myriad of ninots, vast papier maché figures - politicians, film stars, bullfighters and anyone of local, national or international notoriety can find themselves colourfully caricatured as a 15- or sometimes 20-foot model.
One of the highlights of Las Fallas week is the burning of these monumental effigies. Although local neighbourhoods labour for months to create the statues, within seconds they are stuffed with fireworks and left to burn into the night. Three hundred firemen stand by at different points along Las Fallas' route as these ephemeral figures are reduced to burning wrecks - a cruel but fascinating form of satire.
Burning effigies are not the only speciality during Las Fallas. Another highlight is the daily mascleta, which takes place in the Plaza Ayuntamiento at 2pm, a mass of fireworks explosions, rockets and firecrackers. Each day sees different neighbourhood groups competing for the most impressive display, with the prize going to the loudest. Good standing space is hard to come by, unless you book yourself into one of the square's hotels months in advance.
Waiting ambulances are at the ready. Some people find the explosions so loud that they often faint. Pregnant women are forbidden from attending the mascleta and it is not uncommon to see the odd person being whisked off to hospital. So come if you dare - this event is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
One of the highlights of Las Fallas week is the burning of these monumental effigies. Although local neighbourhoods labour for months to create the statues, within seconds they are stuffed with fireworks and left to burn into the night. Three hundred firemen stand by at different points along Las Fallas' route as these ephemeral figures are reduced to burning wrecks - a cruel but fascinating form of satire.
Burning effigies are not the only speciality during Las Fallas. Another highlight is the daily mascleta, which takes place in the Plaza Ayuntamiento at 2pm, a mass of fireworks explosions, rockets and firecrackers. Each day sees different neighbourhood groups competing for the most impressive display, with the prize going to the loudest. Good standing space is hard to come by, unless you book yourself into one of the square's hotels months in advance.
Waiting ambulances are at the ready. Some people find the explosions so loud that they often faint. Pregnant women are forbidden from attending the mascleta and it is not uncommon to see the odd person being whisked off to hospital. So come if you dare - this event is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Event details can change.
Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
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