Mascletà: Why is Valencia the “Cathedral of Gunpowder”?

Every day at 2 PM during Fallas, Valencia’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento transforms into the “Cathedral of Gunpowder.” Thousands gather—not just to see, but to feel—the thunderous spectacle that is the mascletà.

What is a mascletà?

A uniquely Valencian tradition, a mascletà is an orchestrated explosion of gunpowder designed not for visuals, but for sound. It starts slowly, with a few isolated bangs and whistles, then builds in volume and tempo, culminating in the terremoto—a final, deafening crescendo that shakes the entire plaza. The whole experience lasts about six to seven minutes.

While there are plumes of colored smoke and some dazzling sparks, this is not a fireworks show—it’s a symphony of explosions. As the mascletà intensifies, spectators often jump and move in sync with the rhythmic blasts. The sheer force of sound and vibration is meant to consume the body—a visceral experience that is, for many, the essence of Fallas.

It’s not for everyone. But it is quintessential Valencia.

A Brief History of the Mascletà

Valencia’s love of gunpowder dates back centuries, brought to Spain from China. However, the mascletà as we know it is a relatively recent phenomenon.

• One legend traces its origins to 1714, when King Philip V ordered Valencia’s armaments to be destroyed after the city backed the losing side in the War of Spanish Succession. Rather than waste the gunpowder, local blacksmiths supposedly detonated it in one defiant explosion. Source
• Others credit the 1914 Pyrotechnic Exhibition with modernizing firecrackers into a more standardized form.
• Until the 1940s, Valencians celebrated the spring equinox by lining the streets with tracas—long chains of firecrackers that children would chase through the city.
• The first organized mascletà as we know it took place in 1945, when the villages of Godella and Moncada hired pyrotechnic expert Antonio Caballer to introduce a new sound-based innovation. Source

Today, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosts the most prestigious mascletàs, drawing top pyrotechnic companies from across Spain to compete for the loudest, most rhythmically thrilling display.

Tips for Attending a Mascletà

? Expect massive crowds. Thousands fill the streets, so allow extra time to navigate through the packed plazas. Police and emergency services are present for crowd control.

? It can be physically overwhelming. Every year, medical personnel treat people who faint or suffer from ear and eye irritation due to falling firecracker debris.

? Want the best view? Many Valencians book balcony spaces months in advance for mascletà parties. Some tickets are available to the public, but prices skyrocket closer to La Cremà.

? Prefer to watch from home? À Punt and other media outlets broadcast each mascletà live, complete with decibel readings and expert commentary.

More on the history of the mascletà: ? Cadena SER