Amid the fireworks, festivities, and towering monuments of Fallas, a deeply religious ceremony takes center stage. La Ofrenda, or “The Offering,” is an act of devotion and faith—one of the most moving traditions of the festival.
For two days, thousands of falleras and falleros dressed in traditional attire make their way in a grand procession to Plaza de la Virgen. Each participant carries a floral bouquet, which will be carefully arranged to form an enormous effigy of Our Lady of the Forsaken, Valencia’s revered patron saint. This year, more than 100 thousand people are expected to take part in the offering.
A Tradition Born from Solace
The Virgin Mary, also known as Mare de Déu dels Desemparats (Our Lady of the Forsaken), has been venerated in Valencia since at least the 15th century. Her 17th-century basilica stands in Plaza de la Virgen, adjacent to the cathedral. However, the Fallas ceremony of La Ofrenda is a more recent tradition, emerging in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. (Source: Christian Iconography)
In 1941, two years after Valencia fell to Francisco Franco’s forces following months of bombardment, a group of women brought flowers to the Basilica as a gesture of solace and devotion. Year after year, more people joined this spontaneous act, leading to an overwhelming display of floral offerings. By the 1960s, Fallas commissions began organizing the processions, and in 1987, the Central Fallero Board introduced a 15-meter frame supporting a bust of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus to display the bouquets in the form of an intricate floral mantle. (Source: 7TeleValencia).
A Slow Unveiling of Beauty
Each Fallas commission carefully selects the color of its bouquets, yet none of the participants know the final design of the Virgin’s cloak. The arrangement remains a secret, gradually revealing itself over two days as the flowers are placed with painstaking precision. This sense of slow revelation — crafted through the collective effort of the entire community — adds to the magic of the moment. (Source: Levante-EMV)
Accompanied by marching bands, the processions wind their way through Valencia’s streets, converging in Plaza de la Virgen in a breathtaking display of faith, tradition, and artistry. The final night of La Ofrenda culminates in Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky above the City of Arts and Sciences. The night is filled with street parties, music, and dancing—the last joyous celebration before the grand finale of Fallas: La Cremà (the burning of the fallas monuments).
What to Expect
La Ofrenda will transform the city, with major avenues closed (particulary, Calle de la Paz and Calle San Vicente Martir) to accommodate the processions. Navigating Valencia, especially in the old town, will be challenging as thousands make their way to Plaza de la Virgen. Police will be stationed to manage crowds, and designated pedestrian crossing points will be in place. If you plan to attend, patience is key — embrace the moment, take in the colors and sounds, and witness one of Valencia’s most cherished traditions.
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