Las Fallas
Valencia 2027
A 19-day festival that builds to a five-day climax of fire, art, explosions, flowers and processions, ending on the night the city burns its own monuments. Valencia's largest fiesta draws over 2 million visitors and is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Here is what you need to know as an expat.
March 15-19
Main Festival
750+
Falla Monuments
2M+
Visitors
Key dates and events
From La Crida on February 28 to the final flames on March 19, 2027.
February 28, 2027
La Crida
The official opening ceremony at Torres de Serranos. The Fallera Mayor addresses the city from the medieval towers and calls for the festival to begin. Fireworks follow. Arrive early - the square fills up fast.
March 1-19
Daily Mascletaes
Every day at 2:00pm sharp in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. A mascletae is not fireworks - it is a daytime explosion of gunpowder designed to be felt, not seen. The ground shakes. Your chest vibrates. It is loud, chaotic, and utterly Valencian. Bring earplugs.
March 15 to 16
La Planta
The Plantà happens over two nights. By the morning of March 15 the smaller children's monuments (fallas infantiles) are standing in every commission. By 08:00 on March 16 the adult monuments (fallas mayores) are up too. Over 750 sculptures appear across the city, ranging from a few metres to towering 25-metre structures made of wood, cardboard, and papier-mache.
March 17-18
La Ofrenda
Tens of thousands of falleros and falleras in traditional dress walk in procession to Plaza de la Virgen to offer flowers to the Virgin Mary. The flowers are arranged into a massive tapestry on a wooden frame. One of the most photogenic events of the year.
March 18
Nit del Foc
The Night of Fire. The most spectacular fireworks display in Spain - 30+ minutes launched from the old riverbed near Paseo de la Alameda. Hundreds of thousands of people line the Turia to watch. Get your spot by 10pm for midnight fireworks.
March 19
La Crema
The burning. Every falla in the city is set on fire in a single night, starting with the children's fallas at 10pm. The main fallas burn from midnight, with the final and largest falla in Plaza del Ayuntamiento burning last around 1am. Firefighters stand by, hosing down building facades. Months of work go up in flames in minutes. It is extraordinary.
Best places to experience Fallas
Where to stand, when to arrive, and what to look for.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Daily mascletaes + final Crema
Arrive by 1:00pm for a good mascletae spot. For La Crema on March 19, get there by 10pm or you will not get close.
Torres de Serranos
La Crida opening ceremony
The medieval towers are stunning at night. Combine with a walk through El Carmen to see the neighbourhood fallas lit up.
Paseo de la Alameda
Nit del Foc fireworks
The old riverbed gives the best unobstructed views. Bring a blanket and arrive 2+ hours early. The Turia gardens on either side are also excellent.
Ruzafa
Neighbourhood fallas + street parties
Ruzafa has some of the most creative, artistic fallas. The neighbourhood bars stay open late and the atmosphere is electric.
Na Jordana / El Pilar
Award-winning fallas
The Na Jordana commission consistently produces prize-winning fallas. Worth a dedicated visit to study the craftsmanship and satirical detail.
Should you stay in Valencia for Fallas?
Five honest questions. We have lost count of the expats who said "I love festivals" in January and fled to Calpe by March 17. Take the quiz before you decide.
Mascletàs hit 120+ decibels at 2pm every day for 19 days. How does that sit with you?
Expat survival guide
Practical advice from expats who have been through Fallas.
Protect your ears
Mascletaes and firecrackers are genuinely loud - 120+ decibels. Bring foam earplugs or loop earplugs. This is especially important for children and pets. Many pharmacies sell them during Fallas.
Plan for your pets
Fallas is extremely stressful for dogs and cats due to constant firecrackers. Many expats leave the city with their pets or arrange a pet-sitter in a quieter town. If staying, keep windows closed and consider calming supplements from your vet.
Forget driving
Hundreds of streets are closed. Parking is nearly impossible. Metrovalencia runs extended evening service throughout Fallas and goes all-night on Nit del Foc (18-19 March) and the Cremà (19-20 March). Other nights the last train is typically around 02:00. Walk, bike, or take the metro - taxis are hard to find during peak evening hours.
Eat like a local
Street food stalls sell bunuelos (pumpkin doughnuts) and churros con chocolate throughout the festival. Traditional Fallas food includes paella cooked on the street by falla commissions. Many restaurants have special Fallas menus.
Book accommodation early
If friends or family are visiting, book hotels by January. Prices triple during Fallas week. Airbnb availability drops dramatically. The closer to the centre, the more expensive - consider staying in Benimaclet or Campanar for better rates.
Stock up on groceries
Supermarkets get very busy during Fallas week. Some smaller shops close for the main days (March 17-19). Stock your fridge before March 15. Mercadona stays open but expect queues.