Cavalcada del Ninot ‘Ninot Parade’ – March 2nd

The Cavalcada del Ninot (Ninot Parade in english) is a revived Fallas tradition that has quickly gained popularity. Taking place on March 2nd, after just two mascletàs and more than a week before the main festivities, this large, ironic parade winds through the city center, led by various falla commissions. Originally, this parade showcased ninots, now seen in the Exposició del Ninot. Today, while some ninots from the Municipal Falla are displayed, the stars of the parade are costumed participants, usually with themes that are critical or related to their monument, always accompanied by lively music and humor.

Despertà – Early mornings, March 15th-19th

What other festivals let you stay up late but still don’t require you to wake up early to make the most of the day? That’s exactly what the Despertàs are all about. These early morning parades, usually starting at 8 AM, combine lively musicians with firecrackers set off by participants, encouraging the neighborhood to wake up and join in the festivities. Each falla commission usually holds its own despertà, so by 8 AM, it’s hard to find a corner of the city untouched by the sound of firecrackers. There are also a few ‘general’ despertàs organized by public authorities. Don’t forget, you can check out this type of event in our Fallas Calendar.

La Plantà – March 15th

The night of March 15th to 16th is a truly special time during the Fallas of València: it marks the culmination of a year’s work by the falleros, falleras, and especially the talented falla artists, as the monuments are set up in a process known as La Plantà.

There are actually two plantàs: one for the large fallas and one for the children’s fallas. The assembly of these intricate monuments begins several days prior, since their large size makes it impossible to complete them in just one night. This night marks the final touch, with the last ninots, decorations, and, if needed, final coats of paint being added. At the stroke of midnight on March 15th, the countdown begins to dawn with the large falla fully completed. The children’s fallas are set up by 8 a.m. on March 16th.

Don’t miss this special moment when the entire falla committee, their families, and the falla artist come together to ensure the Falla is perfect.

L’Ofrena ‘Flower Offering’ – March 17th-18th

During the peak days of the Fallas in València, on March 17 and 18, the floral offering to the Mare de Déu dels Desamparats (‘Virgen de los Desamparados’ in spanish and ‘Virgin of the Helpless’ in english) takes place. This religious celebration is detailed here along with other festival aspects.

From 3:30 PM on March 17 until midnight on March 18 (though delays are common and it often ends much later), various Fallas commissions from València and surrounding areas parade, carrying flowers and accompanied by musicians. At the end of the route, they offer these flowers to create the enormous mantle for the figure of the Mare de Déu dels Desamparats, València’s patron saint.

For more historical information about this event, visit ‘Understanding Fallas,’ and for details about the route and recommendations, check our Fallas Calendar.

Nighttime Fireworks Displays – Nights of March 16th and 17th

From March 16 to 18, you can witness spectacular nighttime fireworks near the City of Arts and Sciences. The night of March 18 is particularly special, featuring the Nit del Foc, which we explain further below. However, if you’re a fan of fireworks, all three nights are an absolute must-see.

Nit del Foc – March 18th (18th to 19th night)

The ‘Nit del Foc’ is the highlight of the nighttime fireworks displays during the Fallas of València. On March 18, the night before the Cremà and the conclusion of the Fallas celebrations, an enormous fireworks display lights up the Turia River Park, right next to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. While you can enjoy spectacular fireworks on the 16th and 17th, the display on the 18th is truly exceptional. Trust us, it’s one of our top recommendations and a must-see event during the Fallas of València.

A word of advice: Just like the mascletàs, the ‘Nit del Foc’ draws large crowds. We recommend arriving an hour or more in advance, respecting the visibility of others, and adhering to the rules by not throwing firecrackers or smoking in crowded areas. Explore this and other Fallas events in our Fallas Calendar!

La Cremà – March 19th

On the night of March 19th, the Fallas of València conclude with the most celebrated event of the festival: la cremà. This is when the fallas, starting with the children’s monuments and followed by the larger ones, are set ablaze and become a part of the collective memory. It’s a deeply emotional experience that unites all falleros and falleras as they gather around their monuments to watch them burn.

While the timing may vary slightly each year due to different conditions, with the burning of the large fallas often delayed, the official schedule is generally as follows:

• 8:00 PM ― Cremà of the children’s fallas.
• 8:30 PM ― Cremà of the children’s falla that won first prize in the Special Section.
• 9:00 PM ― Cremà of the children’s falla in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
• 10:00 PM ― Cremà of all the fallas in València.
• 10:30 PM ― Cremà of the falla that won first prize in the Special Section.
• 11:00 PM ― Cremà of the falla in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

And just to clarify: yes, the festival ends here. After the fallas are burned, there are no more discos or parties, as people typically head home to rest since the following day is usually a workday.

If you want to fully enjoy the final event of the Fallas of València, we have a few tips. Although witnessing a Special Section falla is impressive due to its size, these attract large crowds, firefighters, and security measures that can diminish the festive atmosphere. For a more local experience, consider visiting smaller fallas in neighborhoods like Patraix, Nou Moles, Campanar or El Cabanyal. Always respect the falleros’ and falleras’ guidelines and customs to experience the warm hospitality and friendliness of the community.

Other events

These might be the most famous events of the Fallas of València, but there’s so much more to discover! Check out the Fallas Calendar for the full official schedule to make sure you don’t miss anything. Each Fallas Commission also has its own schedule and activities, keeping the neighborhoods vibrant throughout the festival. Plus, there are Fallas-related events that take place months before the main celebrations. Dive in! Get involved! Engaging in responsible and participatory tourism is the best way to fully experience and appreciate the local culture!