Petardos and Children in Valencia: What Families Should Know Before Fallas

Our family is throwing petardos this year.

If you can’t beat them — and you won’t — join them. Our eldest is finally old enough, and we’ve partially overcome our initial contempt for the ritual. So here we are: new to this.

For years, we observed from a cautious distance. The noise felt excessive. The chaos, unnecessary. But in Valencia, resistance eventually softens into understanding. And sometimes, participation.

Important to know before you buy

Before you step into a fireworks shop with a newly licensed child and misplaced confidence, there are a few things you should know.

In Valencia, firecrackers are classified by category according to sound level and risk. Children are only permitted to use low-intensity products specifically designed for minors, and these must be purchased from authorized shops. Everything is clearly labeled, but the responsibility ultimately sits with the adult accompanying them. Supervision is not optional — it’s required.

If you walk into a tienda de petardos during Fallas, you quickly realise there is a whole hierarchy of firecrackers. Many are designed specifically for children — smaller, lower-intensity, and more playful than explosive. The goal isn’t a massive bang, but letting younger falleros take part in the ritual safely.

The Classic Starter: Bombetas (bombetas)

The traditional beginner petardo is the bombeta (bombeta) — a tiny paper packet that pops when it hits the ground. No fuse, no lighter, just the simple pleasure of throwing it and hearing the crack. For many Valencian children, this is where the lifelong relationship with gunpowder begins.

Other Kid-Friendly Options

Beyond bombetas, you will also find sparklers (bengalas), small smoke tubes (botes de humo), and mini fountains (fuentes pequeñas) that produce colour, light, or gentle effects rather than a loud explosion. These are usually the easiest way for younger children to take part in the sensory side of Fallas.

You may also hear children asking for “chinos” (petardos chinos), small and quick firecrackers that produce a sharper pop but are still considered entry-level compared to the bigger ones adults throw. Another very Valencian classic is the “tron de bac” (trons de bac), a slightly stronger firecracker that delivers the satisfying bang many locals associate with Fallas — usually reserved for older children under adult supervision.

Where to Buy Petardos in Valencia

If you’re ready to join the ritual, the good news is that Valencia has plenty of specialised firecracker shops (petarderías). Here are a few well-known places locals often stop by:

• Petardos Valencia
  A classic central shop just steps from Estación del Norte. It’s one of the easiest places to find if you’re in the city centre and carries a wide range of firecrackers and traditional tracas. 
• La Petardería del Centro
  Part of a well-known network of petardería shops founded in the late 1980s, with staff used to advising customers on the different products and safety rules. 
• Petardos Campanar
  A neighbourhood shop known for its wide selection of traditional fireworks and a focus on safe, quality products. 
• Pirotecnia El Fallero
  A long-standing pyrotechnics retailer offering everything from small children’s items to classic Valencian tracas and fireworks. 

A simple trick: if you’re unsure what to buy, just ask for “petardos para niños” and mention bombetas or bengalas. The person behind the counter will usually know exactly what you mean — and guide you toward the safest options.

Have Fun and stay safe.