First, we went to Valencia to experience Las Fallas, which is a HUGE annual festival held in Valencia during March. In a nutshell, this festival is pretty much the 3rd weekend of March, but people in Valencia spend weeks and weeks preparing for it. To prepare, groups of people work together to create multiple-storied-high statues called fallas, that usually represent something political or mock something in society. The people who make the fallas are called falleros. Then, these statues (hundreds of them) are placed in different locations all around central Valencia, usually in crossroads throughout the streets.
"The Night of Fire", the Saturday night of the 3rd weekend (when we were there), the statues are burned, as if symbolizing the burning of these things/ideas to have a clean start for spring. Also, there are parades ALL day long, featuring the different groups of people that made the statues. These groups of people were bussed in from all over the Valencian Region. We're talking THOUSANDS of people. The people wear very traditional clothing that is specifically made for Las Fallas, especially the women and young girls. The dresses were GORGEOUS. You'll see below.
Also, the groups of people, los falleros, each present a special flower arrangement to the city. The flowers are presented at the end of the parade route, where there is someone announcing the names of the groups. I read that this presentation (and really the original idea of the whole festival) began to celebrate the day of St. Jose, which is the father patron. Basically, this is Spain's Father's Day.
Oh and the festival is big on fireworks and NONSTOP firecrackers in the street. Even little kids are seen throwing firecrackers. Super loud.
mmmmmm cream-filled churros.
making churros
another weird, creepy statue..
These bandanas were given to us at the front desk of our hotel. She said it was for Las Fallas. Not sure of what she meant, we brought them just in case. Turns out EVERYONE wears these blue bandanas for the festival. I asked a man why, he said he didn't know why, it was just a tradition. Fair enough, Spanish man, fair enough.
This was the main area where all the groups presented their flowers. That enormous statue of Mary in the center was completely made of flowers. It was incredible.
Gotta love big jugs of sangria while sitting outside on a nice day in Spain.
Dad was tuckered out!! Catchin a quick siesta midday.
Valencia is also known for these really cool science and art museums. Crazy architecture.
Heyyyyy Dad.
Little bro trying the infamous tuna pizza in Spain. Haha this one even had a sunny-side-up egg slapped on top!
Burning of one of the fallas.
Mmmm cups of melted chocolate and Buñuelos, a typical fried pastry of Valencia. Similar to churros.
Ah!! I loved this! FYI Burrito has told me about buñuelos in Mexico. Wonder if they're the same? Were they similar to elephant ears at the fair? Nice pic of you by RAQUEL... like how your bro is like "Ehhhh this is cheesy but whatever." Your posts are the besssssttttttest.
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