Overview of Las Fallas Festival
- Festival Dates: March 1 – March 19, 2020
- Key Events: Fireworks, parades, and floral tributes
- Accommodation Tips: Book early for the best options
- Travel Information: How to get to Valencia
The Las Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain, is celebrated annually on the same dates. The main events occur from March 15 to March 19, while numerous events take place during the two weeks leading up to the festival week. For the year 2020, the official dates are Sunday, March 1, 2020, to Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Las Fallas is a month-long spring festival featuring fireworks, gigantic paper sculptures, bonfires, delectable food, and vibrant parties. This event is of such significance that it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
About Las Fallas and Key Dates
Las Fallas celebrates various Catholic holidays in its origin. In Valencia, the festival coincides with St. Joseph’s feast day on March 19. Additionally, a ceremony to honor the Virgin Mary takes place. On March 17 and 18, thousands of attendees wear traditional costumes and process to the Plaza de la Virgen, where they present stunning floral arrangements in honor of the Virgin Mary. The procession begins around 3:30 p.m. and lasts well into the night.
The term Falles refers to both the festival and the artistic monuments made for the occasion, which are later burned on the final night. These impressive structures are commissioned by neighborhood groups and are judged on March 15, paraded through Valencia in the following days.
Various events unfold throughout the festival. Fireworks illuminate the Plaza del Ayuntamiento around 2 p.m. starting on the first of March, alongside parades, performances, and numerous festivities. After admiring the Falles figures, visitors can look forward to the monumental event on March 19, when the smaller structures are set ablaze around 10 p.m., followed by the larger effigies at midnight, creating massive bonfires.
Where to Stay During Las Fallas
Accommodation can be pricier during Las Fallas, and rooms tend to fill quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to secure your lodging in advance to avoid disappointment. Given the ongoing fireworks and celebrations, those needing a restful environment might opt for hotels located on the outskirts of town.
Conducting thorough research to discover hotels with quiet rooms (not facing busy streets) can also be beneficial. The Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace is one such centrally located hotel offering both quiet rooms and street-facing options. There are numerous hotels in Valencia as well as youth hostels, but early bookings are essential for securing a spot.
Getting to Las Fallas
For those traveling from other Spanish cities, reaching Valencia can be achieved via train, bus, or by driving:
- Madrid to Valencia: The AVE high-speed train connects Madrid and Valencia, making the journey just over an hour and a half.
- Barcelona to Valencia: The high-speed train services this route, and tickets can be purchased online. Buses are also available, taking approximately four hours.
- Malaga to Valencia: This route isn’t straightforward; taking the high-speed train with a transfer in Cordoba is the most efficient option.
