Without a shadow of a doubt, attending the Las Fallas festival is one of the best out-of-the-box things to do in Valencia.
I’ve first heard of it a few years back when I had taken private Spanish lessons. My Spanish teacher was from Seville, and we were communicating online.
During our lessons, we talked about so many different topics, and one of them was famous festivals in Spain. He told me to Google ‘Las Fallas festival’, and once I did, that was it.
From that point on, I had a big dream on my Spain bucket list, and it was to travel to Valencia to attend this crazy festival. And when I finally made my dream come true (twice already), it exceeded all of my expectations.
To help you plan the best trip to this mind-blowing European spring destination, here is my complete travel guide to the Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my disclosure and disclaimer. This post may show pop-ups.
Quick Introduction: What Is Las Fallas of Valencia Festival
First of all, mark your calendars: the official dates of the festival are the 15th-19th of March (every year).
It’s also important to know that attending it is free of charge (yet another budget-friendly attraction in Valencia). So what exactly is this festival and how did it all begin?
The tradition started in the middle ages when artisans and carpenters disposed of pieces of wood they had saved during the winter.
To welcome the spring and to get rid of the unnecessary wood, they would burn these pieces. With time, these fire celebrations were united with the festival of Saint Joseph.
As the tradition evolved, these pieces of wood were made to look like human figures, using clothes and other materials. Later on, the celebration started to get more organized and the characters more complex.
Nowadays, the whole city becomes an explosion of colors, smells, and noises. Each neighborhood builds its own displays of cardboard and paper-mache figurines, which get burned at the end of the festival.
Also, each year there’s another theme, and usually, there’s a satirical aspect to the sculptures.
This festival is way more than just partying and burning stuff. It has become an essential part of the Valencian culture as it brings together the community and celebrates Valencian traditions like music, costumes, and food.
It’ll make you feel like a kid in a candy store, and it just has to be on your travel bucket list.
Good to know: Many towns in The Valencian Community celebrate the festival as well. However, the largest celebration is in the city of Valencia.
Las Fallas Festival Vocabulary
Falla: A traditional Valencian neighborhood community.
Falla (second meaning): A display of sculptures made by one of these communities.
Ninot: One figurine of the many that compose a Falla.
Falla Infantil: A small version of a Falla for children.
Fallero/a: A member of a Falla-Community.
Fallera Mayor: The elected adult annual Queen of a Falla-Community.
Fallera Mayor Infantil: The elected child’s annual Queen of a Falla-Community.
Casal Faller: Another name for Falla-Community, and its meeting street-tent during the festival.
Las Fallas de Valencia Main Events
Since the different Fallas compete between them, there are also award ceremonies during the festival. Here is the full event calendar for 2023.
La Planta
La Planta marks the beginning of Fallas week. On the night between March 15 and 16 (March 15 at 8 AM for Falla Infantil), the artists mount the displays they have created, and if it’s a massive display, the Planta can begin a few days earlier.
La Desperta
Each Falla community has a band, and every day of the festival at 8 AM, it marches in the streets and plays music to wake the city up. Also, some of the Falleros walk behind the band and throw firecrackers.
La Mascleta
Every day of the festival at 2 PM, a display of firecrackers and fireworks takes place at the Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
The pyrotechnicians compete for the opportunity to display the final Mascleta on March 19.
La Ofrenda
On the 17th-18th of March, from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM, each of the casals fallers offers flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken).
From all over the city, the falleros march to Plaza de la Virgen, wearing their traditional clothes, walking behind their bands, and carrying flowers to place on the statue of the Virgin.
Before arriving at their final destination, they pass through two main streets – Calle de la Paz and Calle San Vicente. When this magnificent parade and ceremony comes to an end, the entire figure is covered in white and red flowers.
Of course, you have to take the time on the last day to see it.
Els Castells and la Nit Del Foc
Fallas is all about fireworks, lights, colors, and noise. Every night the city celebrates with firework castles on Paseo de la Alameda when the most significant show is called ‘The Night of Fire.’
The schedule (since the shows are at night, the times refer to the day after, but the program is written like this):
15th of March – 12:30 AM (between the 15th and the 16th).
16th of March – 12 AM (between the 16th and the 17th).
17th of March – 1 AM (between the 17th and the 18th).
18th of March – Nit de Foc – 1:30 (between the 18th and the 19th).
The hours may change a bit from year to year, so consult the schedule of Las Fallas 2023 here.
Cavalcada Del Foc
On March 19th in the evening, the Fire Parade takes place at Colon street. It is the final celebration before burning all the Fallas, and it incorporates fire pyrotechnics, costumes, music, and performances. The hours may change a bit from year to year, so consult the schedule of Las Fallas 2023 here.
La Crema
March 19th is the day of Saint Joseph and the end of Las Fallas of Valencia. La Crema is the act that officially closes the festival and when all the Fallas get burned.
The schedule:
10 PM – burning of the Fallas Infantiles.
10:30 PM – burning of the winning Falla Infantil.
11 PM – burning of the Falla Infantil at the Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
12 AM – burning of the big Fallas.
12:30 AM – burning of the winning Falla.
1:30 AM – burning of the Falla at the Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
The hours may change a bit from year to year, so consult the schedule of Las Fallas 2023 here.
Looking for more tips? Read my Valencia travel tips and check out these 55 things you should know before visiting Spain!
Tips for Making the Most of Las Fallas in Valencia
Choose Wisely Where to Stay
When I choose my accommodation, I want to be sure that it is easily reachable by public transportation. Whether it’s for getting quickly from the airport or going back to rest after walking all day long, you’ll need appropriate accommodation.
During the festival, the majority of the city is closed for vehicles (including buses and taxis), and some buses don’t work or have a different route. That’s why the best area to stay during Las Fallas is close to a Metro station.
Although there aren’t many Metro stations in Valencia, the city center is surrounded by a few. It’s an easy way to get around the different parts of the city, which is mostly blocked and requires a lot of walking.
If you book accommodation right in the middle of the city center (which is not small), you probably won’t have close access to public transportation.
On Airbnb, there are many great options, and I used it twice already to find an apartment for the festival. However, it’s important to know that the hosts on Airbnb usually update their rates only in December and January (or even in February).
It means that you either need to wait for the updated rates or send a direct message to the hosts to consult their festival rates. Find your accommodation on Airbnb.
If you’re not into Airbnb, no worries. Here are a few highly-rated accommodations with a good location for the festival (note that their prices during Las Fallas are significantly higher than usual):
Budget
The River Hostel: Located a few minutes away from the Metro station of Alameda and some of Valencia’s main sights, this hostel offers modern dorm rooms, a shared lounge and kitchen, and 24/7 reception. You can also have breakfast in the hostel and rent a bike at the reception. Read reviews and book it here.
Russafa Youth Hostel: Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Ruzafa, this hostel offers private rooms with a shared bathroom or dorms for men, 24/7 reception, and breakfast that’s already included in the price. Browse the latest prices and availability here.
Mid-Range
Sorolla Centro: Located near City Hall Square and the metro station Xativa, this 3-star hotel offers spacious single, double, and triple rooms. The reception desk is available 24/7, and you can have breakfast at the hotel, though the area is packed with cafes and restaurants. Read more about it here.
Zalamera BnB: This bed and breakfast is located near the metro station Bailen, only a short walk away from City Hall Square, and it offers cozy single and double rooms. Read reviews and browse the latest prices here.
Luxury
Hotel Dimar: Located on the famous avenue Gran Vía Marqués del Turia, this 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms, a 24/7 reception, a Mediterranean restaurant, an optional continental breakfast, and many other services. Check availability and prices here.
Prepare Yourself for the Crowds and Noise
Although some places in the city are calm, popular areas can get very crowded. Also, as I’ve mentioned, a part of the celebrations are the fireworks and firecrackers, so prepare yourself for constant noise and people around you.
Bring Comfortable Shoes and Clothes
You’ll be doing a lot of walking around the city, so my number one packing tip would be to bring comfortable shoes and clothes. Also, take into consideration that it is still quite chilly in Valencia in March.
Get to the Main Events in Advance
With so many people in Valencia during Las Fallas, it’s crucial to get to the main events ahead of time. La Ofrenda is a few hours long and people always come and go, so you don’t need to be there in advance.
However, for La Mascleta and La Crema (if you want to see one of the main Fallas burnings), you’ll need to get a couple of hours (if not more) in advance.
Stay away From the City Hall Area if You Are Not Going to See la Mascleta
La Mascleta is one of the most crowded events during the Fallas festival, but I still recommend seeing it at least once, as it is such a main event of the festival.
In case you have other plans, please make sure to stay away from Plaça de l’Ajuntament (City Hall Square) and its surroundings, or else you’ll waste your time trying to get out of there.
It’s important to know that during this time of the day, the metro station near City Hall, Xativa, is closed.
See the Ruzafa Neighborhood at Night
When it gets dark, you can see how illuminated the city is, and it doesn’t get more illuminated than the Ruzafa neighborhood. The two main streets famous for their light displays are Calle Cuba and Calle Sueca.
Every evening, usually at 8 PM (it’s best to verify this time when you get to the city), a 5-minute light show takes place, and right after it, the entire neighborhood is illuminated. I recommend exploring the entire area to see the magical beauty of Ruzafa at night.
See the Fallas of the ‘Seccion Especial’
Every monument of Las Fallas is incredible, but there are a few displays that are considered as the Special Section. These are the largest, most impressive, and most complex displays, and they are a must-see during the festival.
Some of the Fallas competing in the Special Section are Falla Convento Jerusalen, Falla Plaza del Pilar, Falla Cuba – Literato Azorín, Falla Sueca – Literato Azorín and Falla Na Jordana. You can see the full list for 2023 (with addresses) here.
Explore the Different Neighborhoods
I recommend exploring the different parts of Valencia’s city center, but I also recommend visiting other areas of the city.
For example, check out the Fallas not only in El Carmen or Ruzafa but also in El Cabanyal, which is the neighborhood right by the beach. The area itself is beautiful, and you’ll see some amazing Fallas in a quieter district.
Eat Buñuelos
All over the city, you’ll see stands selling souvenirs, churros, paella, and of course, buñuelos.
Buñuelos are doughnuts (mostly made of pumpkin) that are made specifically for the Fallas festival. I recommend eating them with some hot chocolate for maximum decadence.
Another place where I loved eating buñuelos is Horchateria Santa Catalina (Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6).
It is famous for its horchata (a sweet drink made from tiger nuts) and fartons (elongated sugar-glazed buns that should be dipped in the horchata), but during the festival, it also serves these delicious doughnuts.
Make a Reservation for Popular Restaurants
This advice is not directly connected to the festival itself, but it will help you if you want to enjoy the city’s best restaurants.
Enjoying the local food is a big part of traveling, and when the official local dish is paella, you’re in for a treat.
In order for you to enjoy the best of Valencia, it’s crucial to know that famous and popular restaurants (ones that appear on any Valencia food guide) like La Pepica or La Riua are packed during the festival.
So be sure to make a reservation in advance for such familiar restaurants for both lunch and dinner. Without a reservation, you might have to wait a VERY long time to get a table or not get in at all (and trust me, you want to get in).
What Can You See and Enjoy Before the Festival?
The Mascleta actually begins on March 1st, so there’s more than enough time for you to attend this event.
Exposición del Ninot: From the beginning of February you can see an exhibition of some of the displays in the beautiful complex of the City of Arts and Sciences. Fee: 3 Euros. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 to 20:00, Friday to Sunday 10:00 to 21:00.
Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum): Some of the children’s displays are voted to be saved from the fire, and you can see them in this museum. It is open all year long and not only during the time of the festival.
Museo del Gremio de Artistas Falleros: In this unique museum that also honors the artists of the festival, you can see the ninots that the artists guild has chosen to rescue from the flames, as well as the evolution of the ninots, sketches, and much more. It’s also open all year round.
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Want to know more about Valencia? Continue reading all my posts about it here.
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We were planning on visiting Valencia from March 11 – 14th (between visiting Madrid and Barcelona). Will the city center be blocked off during our visit, even though it is before the festival begins?
Hey Tiffany! In both of the times I attended Las Fallas, I was there since the first day of the festival, so I don’t know for sure. I can only assume that at least some parts of city center will be blocked (like the area near Town Hall) because some events take place before the 15th and because they’ll get ready to erect the displays.
My apologies… Hi Or!
It’s all good! Let me know if you have more questions.
Hi Marie, great post! We are traveling to Valencia in ’23 with our 3 boys and I’m trying to figure out the best days to experience Fallas before we fly out of Barcelona on the 20th. Will the 15th & 16th be enough, or do we need to make at least the evening of the 17th to fully experience – we have some flexibility with our dates, but I’m curious about your thoughts.
Hey Ryan! I would definitely add the 17th because there’s A LOT going on and every moment there is worth it. There are so many districts to explore, and the event of La Ofrenda takes place on the 17th-18th, which is worth seeing. I was there for the whole festival twice already and didn’t get bored not even for a second (if anything, I wish it was longer). I also believe that in 2023, now that everything is pretty much normal again, the Fallas will be even bigger and more impressive.
Hi!
Great guide and very informative, my husband and I will be traveling to Spain in March of next year and would love to go to Valencia during the Fallas probably on the 15 & 16, we will be driving down from Barcelona on our way to Seville. My question is where do you recommend we stay since we are driving, we are looking into Airbnbs and I see a few outside the city center area. Are there buses or subways to take us into the city?
We are prepared to walk but I need a good starting point!
Hi Lourdes!
I agree that if you’re traveling with a car, you should stay outside the city center. There are metro stations around the center, so you can easily get to different parts of it and start exploring it on foot. Most of the roads in the city center are blocked, so I wouldn’t count on buses.
Let me know if you have any other question 🙂
Hello!
I am planning a 2021 trip to Spain to see Las Fallas. It’s a long way off still but reading your guide got me so excited! My husband and I will be traveling with 2 other couples and hope to spend the last 4 days of the festival in Valencia and travel to Barcelona and Madrid before heading home. Still trying to decide if staying closer to the center of town is better or maybe getting a hotel on the water and just catch a taxi or Uber into the hot spots at night. We range in age from 55 to 68. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Mary
I’m excited for you, Mary! 🙂
A few things to consider before deciding where to stay:
1. The weather is still quite cold, so a hotel on the beach will be good if you only want to enjoy the views.
2. No matter what, you’ll still be doing some walking because most of the city center is blocked. A taxi can only get you to certain points.
3. The entire city is one big hot spot, especially the city center. You should really see it by day and by night.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions 🙂
Hello, Your comprehensive guide was exceptional. We are planning a trip to Valencia 12-15 Mar, 2020. Do you expect the City to be crazy busy just before the festival? Do you think we’ll get to see some of the festival preparations?
Thank you.
Marie
Hi Marie!
Thank you, and I’m so happy you liked my guide 🙂
Before the festival, the city will probably be busy, but you can always find calmer areas.
You can totally enjoy some of the celebrations on these dates – the Mascelta actually start on March 1st and it will be crazy busy even before the festival officially starts. Also, there’s a display of some of the Ninots (the sculptured figures) called Exposición del Ninot from February 2nd – March 14th. It’s taking place in the complex of The City of Arts and Sciences. You’ll also probably see some of the people already wearing traditional clothes around the city.
I hope this helps 🙂 Let me know if you have other questions. Oh, and have fun in Valencia!
Wow great guide! Sounds so amazing!!
Thank you! It is an unforgettable experience!