Fallas is Valencia’s most important festival—a spectacular 19-day celebration in March filled with fireworks, pageantry, and an unmatched display of artistry and satire. This springtime tradition blends delirious festivities, solemn religious observance, and cheeky political commentary, all set against a backdrop of fire and gunpowder.

The Origins of Fallas

Historians continue to debate the exact origins of Fallas. Some speculate it began as a pagan ritual marking the spring equinox, though there is little concrete evidence from the Roman era or earlier. The word fallas is believed to derive from the Latin facula, meaning “torch,” referring to the flaming beacons placed atop watchtowers (La Vanguardia).

The earliest recorded descriptions of Fallas bonfires date back to the 17th century, though the tradition likely existed long before. Historically, these bonfires were linked to the feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, on March 19. Carpenters would burn old wood scraps, inviting others to discard unused winter items in the flames. The enthusiasm for these bonfires was so strong—and hazardous—that Valencian authorities eventually restricted them to public plazas (Valencia Extra).

The Birth of the Ninots

It wasn’t until the early 19th century that we find records of Fallas ninots—human effigies made of wood and straw, crafted to be burned in the flames. José Calasanz Biñe, a visitor to Valencia at the time, observed that these caricatures were displayed in public squares, allowing society to mock them before their fiery demise. “Even the servants must have their time to see them,” he remarked (National Geographic Historia).

Satire soon became a defining element of Fallas. By the late 19th century, some ninots took on risqué themes, leading to a short-lived attempt by the Catholic Church to censor them. The effort failed, only reinforcing the public’s determination to mock those in power (La Vanguardia).

In 1901, Valencia introduced a prize for the best Fallas monument, giving rise to the artistic fallas seen today—prized not only for their satire but also for their craftsmanship and grandeur.

The Modern Fallas Festival

The festival took its current shape in the 1930s. What was once a two- or three-day event expanded into Fallas Week in 1932, eventually evolving into a city-wide spectacle lasting the first 19 days of March. During this period, key traditions emerged, including the election of the Fallera Mayor and the public vote for the Ninot Indultat—the one ninot spared from the flames. The ritual of La Ofrenda, where Fallas groups present flowers to the Virgin of the Forsaken, also became a formalized tradition (National Geographic Historia).

The Reign of the Ninots

Today, ninots are the stars of Fallas. Crafted months, sometimes years, in advance, they can cost millions to produce. Each neighborhood Fallas association votes on the theme and size of their ninot. Some are small, community-driven projects, while others are elaborate, large-scale constructions funded by wealthy patrons.

Prizes are awarded for artistry and technique, but the ultimate honor is the public vote to save two ninots—one large and one small—from destruction. In the weeks leading up to La Cremà (the final burning on March 19), residents visit the Ninot Exhibition to cast their votes. The selected ninots are then put on public display before finding a permanent home in the Fallas Museum.

For several days, Valencia’s streets become an open-air gallery of towering sculptures, intricate satire, and breathtaking craftsmanship—all destined to turn to ash. Every year, certain Fallas monuments stand out as must-see attractions.

Here’s a map of the most anticipated ninots for this year’s Fallas: Visit Valencia Fallas Route.

Be warned: Fallas doesn’t just take over Valencia—it pulls everyone and everything into the fiery festivities. If you’re lucky enough to be here, know that resistance is futile!