Valencia Weekly News Update: Fallas 2026 Records, Anti-War Protests & DANA Alert
Bon dia!
Rainy skies couldn’t dampen the Fallas spirit this weekend — but more rain is on the way. AEMET has issued a DANA alert forecasting up to 100 l/m² of rainfall.
Top News: Sanchez leads European opposition to the U.S. war on Iran
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has become the most outspoken European critic of the US war on Iran, putting him on a collision course with President Donald Trump.
A landmark speech last week galvanized an anti-war movement that spilled onto the streets Sunday for International Women’s Day. Tens of thousands marched across Spain — including thousands here in Valencia’s historic city center — to protest US military aggression and demonstrate for women’s rights.
The stance may also be politically shrewd: Sanchez rode opposition to the Iraq war to victory in 2004, and his socialist party has been struggling under the weight of corruption scandals. With renewed momentum, some analysts are openly wondering whether he’ll call a snap election. Eyes are also on upcoming regional votes — in Castile and Leon this week and Andalusia in June — where far-right Vox has been making gains at the expense of both the centrist PP and PSOE.
Sources:
- Most European leaders have tiptoed around Trump’s war with Iran. Not Spain’s PM – CNN
- El feminismo “antifascista” y en “contra de la guerra” se echa a las calles en el 8M – El Pais
- Full speech from Sanchez: “La posición del Gobierno de España se resume en cuatro palabras: ‘No a la guerra'” – La Moncloa
City & Economy
Fallas 2026 burns through nearly 10 million euros
Another record year: an estimated €9.8 million has been spent on this year’s ninots and monuments — about €600,000 more than 2025. The priciest single work is the Special Section monument by Falla Convento Jerusalén, designed by Sanchez Llongo at €260,000.
Transport strikes during Fallas
Metrovalencia faces reduced services from March 15–26 as railway unions protest infrastructure and track safety disputes. Rush hours remain unaffected, but some delays are expected.
Meanwhile, taxi drivers — already frustrated by the rise of Uber and Cabify — are taking an unusual approach: a “Japanese strike,” offering free rides on March 14 and 18 from 1–3 pm to win over the public rather than disrupt Fallas traffic.
Sources:
- Huelga de metro en Valencia en Fallas: calendario de paros por días y horas en 2026 – Las Provincias
- El taxi hará huelga a la japonesa durante Fallas y Magdalena: gratis de 13 a 15 horas el 14 y 18 de marzo – Valencia Plaza
City & Policing
Fears of gunpowder tourism return to Fallas
Police are warning against the return of “turismo de petardos” — groups of pyrotechnic tourists, primarily from Germany and the Netherlands, who come to Fallas to experiment with illegal high-powered fireworks. Last year, over 100 kilos of illegal material were confiscated, though that didn’t stop one group from detonating a homemade bomb in Camins al Grau.
Source: Vuelve el turismo de petardos en Fallas: «Vamos a demoler el Palau» – Las Provincias
La Roqueta residents denounce youth brawls
Residents of La Roqueta are demanding City Council action on nightlife after another weekend of street fights. A brawl involving dozens of young people spilled into traffic, causing an EMT bus to swerve out of control. Residents have launched a balcony-banner campaign to pressure the city into a response
Source: Vecinos de La Roqueta denuncian otra noche de peleas de jóvenes en la calle – Las Provincias
City & Society
North Americans among the historic number of Falleros in 2026
More than 128,000 falleros and falleras are participating this year — a historic record. The number has been attributed to a surge in women wanting to become a Fallera Mayor. Among them are a few North Americans, including Marissa Lynn Feiten from Ohio, a fallera of Els Somnis. After living in Valencia for more than 17 years, she tells Cadena Ser, “it’s a dream” to become a Fallera Mayor.
Spain’s birth rate rebounds
For the first time in nearly a decade, Spain — and Valencia — have reversed their declining birth rate, bucking a trend seen across wealthy nations. One notable driver: one in four children born in Valencia now has foreign-born parents.
What to Expect This Week
Fallas is heading into its final stretch:
- March 15–16 — La Planta: Ninots installed on street corners across the city
- March 17–18 — La Ofrenda: The emotional floral tribute at the heart of Fallas
- March 18 night — Nit del Foc: The massive Turia fireworks display
- March 19 — La Crema: The fiery finale
Note: Expanded street closures run from March 15–19.
Source of the Week
Tiempo de Fallas: Las Provincias podcast from journalists María Gardó and Sara Bonillo. A fun listen for Spanish practice, covering Fallas customs, dress codes, and when commissions eat and party.
