As you’re probably aware, the Fallas festival in Valencia is the largest celebration in the city, the capital of the Valencian Community and the third most populous city in Spain. Here, in this section, we’ll share several tips to ensure you experience the Fallas in a healthy, comfortable, and responsible way. Let’s dive in!

Fallas’ dictionary

València is the third capital of the state and the first in the region of the Comunidad Valenciana, also known as the Valencian Community. In this region, alongside Spanish or Castilian, another language is spoken: Valencian, referred to as ‘valencià’ in its own language. It’s the historical designation of the Catalan language in this area, known as Catalan in Catalonia, Balearic in the Balearic Islands, and Valencian in the Valencian Community.

Why are we telling you this? Because the essence of the Fallas festival is deeply rooted in the Valencian culture: much of its vocabulary is in Valencian, making it challenging to find translations from Spanish. In the following table, you will discover the most common words used in the Fallas environment, along with their meanings, and, whenever possible, their English translations.

As you can see, there are many words in the Fallas vocabulary, and there are even more to discover!

As a bonus, here is more basic vocabulary for your day-to-day life in the city.

Fallas’ dates

The Fallas festival in València is an annual celebration that primarily occurs between the ‘plantà’, marking the commencement of monumental falla construction, and the ‘cremà’, when these structures are set ablaze. These main events take place from March 15th to March 19th each year.

However, the Fallas festivities extend beyond these five days. Starting in late February, the city bursts to life with a series of preliminary events that pave the way for the grand celebration. These events include the Crida, the Ninot Exhibition, daily mascletàs, and parades organized by various fallas commissions. You can find details of all these activities on our Fallas Calendar page.

It’s worth noting that during this pre-period and throughout the Fallas festival, València experiences a significant surge in visitor numbers and undergoes changes in traffic and daily routines. Therefore, it’s wise to plan ahead and stay updated about scheduled events and activities to fully enjoy this remarkable experience. Be sure to consult the Fallas Travel Guide for valuable information to plan your visit to this spectacular celebration.

Try to arrive early!

The Fallas of València are one of Spain’s most renowned festive events and are gaining recognition worldwide, especially since they were designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a result, there is a significant influx of people and tourists.

If you plan to witness a key event of the Fallas, such as a mascletà in the Town Hall Square or the Nit del Foc, it’s essential to plan ahead and arrive early. For instance, if you aim to secure a spot close to the mascletà, consider arriving between one and one and a half hours before the start time at 2 p.m. If you prefer to enjoy the spectacle with good sound without being in the front row, arriving no more than 45 minutes in advance is recommended, although it’s likely to be insufficient on weekends.

Exploring the Fallas of València alone

Overall, València is a very safe city, even declared one of the best cities to live in the world. Don’t be afraid to explore the city and the Fallas if you’re traveling alone, as you’re unlikely to encounter any issues: Valencians are hospitable, and in a festive atmosphere even more so.

Explore Fallas beyond city center

Although it’s tempting, remember that the Fallas aren’t confined to the center of València. This festival occurs in all neighborhoods of the city, and in fact, you’re more likely to find authentic experiences with fewer crowds and a neighborhood atmosphere outside the center. So, feel free to explore the city!

Fallas’ Best Practices Guide

During the Fallas, València can get a bit chaotic, as is typical of such large festivals. However, there are important rules outlined in the Municipal Ordinance of València and the Fallero Edict that must be adhered to. These guidelines are mostly common sense, so don’t fret.

It’s common for people, particularly tourists, to set off fireworks of a certain caliber, often larger than those intended for children. However, it’s important to note that this is not permitted everywhere. Adult fireworks should only be set off in designated areas by the fallas committees, and with caution to prevent injuries.

To accommodate dog walking, there’s a recommendation against setting off fireworks between 3 pm and 5 pm. Interestingly, València and the Valencian Community boast a high dog population, with 2.4 dogs per inhabitant. This has contributed to the city’s reputation as being generally Dog Friendly. However, if you visit during Fallas, keep in mind that dogs may be sensitive to the loud noise of fireworks.

If you plan on setting off fireworks, it’s essential to purchase them from official establishments and follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. These small explosives can pose a significant danger at close range.

Respect for locals is paramount. Engage with them respectfully, show interest, and participate in the festivities. However, avoid actions that may cause annoyance or uncertainty without seeking clarification. Practice responsible tourism!

Remember, urinating in the street, especially near historical monuments, is strictly prohibited. Portable urinals are conveniently distributed throughout the city, so please make use of them.

Your Fallas’ best friend: a good pair of shoes

n the midst of the Fallas festivities in València, you’ll inevitably find yourself walking for kilometers, standing for extended periods, and navigating through dense crowds. To tackle these challenges, it’s crucial to equip yourself with sturdy footwear. Consider opting for a reliable pair of shoes or, for even better protection, sturdy boots that can shield you from being stepped on and keep you dry in the event of rain.