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Valencia News: Parades, Protests, and Pyrotechnics

Good morning ? More rain is on the way this week. Keep those umbrellas handy! Meanwhile, here’s your Monday update to start the week.

Fallas parade, women’s marches, and fireworks

After a week of rain delays, Valencia bloomed with Fallas celebrations over the weekend.

On Sunday, the Parade of the Ninots took to the streets. Many floats paid tribute to volunteers and victims of the October floods. Las Provincias has a roundup of the parade: Read more
And Levante has a photo gallery of the best floats: See photos

In Paiporta, one of the areas hardest hit by the October floods, the first Falla has been installed. Dedicated to flood victims, the sculpture, titled Som (“We are” in Valenciano), depicts a pair of hands keeping the flame of hope alive. 7 TeleValencia has more: Read more

While Fallas celebrations filled the weekend, thousands of Women’s Day marchers took to the streets on Saturday evening, calling for greater recognition of women’s rights. Valencia Plaza has a photo essay: See photos

Spectacular mascletà and fireworks

On Friday, a special mascletà paid tribute to pyrotechnic expert Pedro Luis Sirvent, who recently died in an explosion at his workshop. El Español explains: Read more

Then on Sunday, a thunderous “Thor’s Hammer” mascletà was dedicated to flood victims. Las Provincias has the details: Read more

Meanwhile, Valencia Plaza reports that the 2025 Fallas will cost over 9 million euros, making it one of the most expensive in history: Read more

Language vote results

Valencia’s recent school language vote did little to resolve the debate over which language should be the primary medium of instruction—Valenciano or Castellano. More than 50% opted for Valenciano, mostly in Castellón, while Alicante preferred Castellano. The Valencia capital region was evenly split.

Next year’s curriculum will depend on how parents voted in each school and district, determining the percentage of classes in each language. Levante breaks it down by region: Read more

Slow income growth and rising inflation

Valencians are earning less than the national average. While incomes are rising across Spain, Valencia’s growth lags behind. Valencia Plaza has the details: Read more

Inflation has driven the price of basic goods such as onions, potatoes and oranges up more than 30% in the last 5 years. Las Provincias analyzes the impact on households. Read more

Vote for your favorite ninot

It’s the final days of the Ninot Exhibition! Cast your vote to save your favorite ninot from the flames. Once voting closes, the ninots will be installed across the city over the weekend. Learn how to vote here

That’s your Monday update! We’ll be back Thursday with more. Have a great week! ?

La Cabalgata del Ninot: Public Art and Satire on the Streets of Valencia

The Parade of the Ninots is one of the first major events of the Fallas festival in Valencia—a vibrant carnival of music, public art, and biting satire. The parade playfully mocks politicians, celebrities, and current events, embodying the festival’s irreverent spirit.

What is a Ninot?

In Valenciano, ninot means “doll,” but during Fallas, it takes on a grander meaning. Ninots are elaborate effigies crafted specifically for the festival, often featuring exaggerated caricatures or humorous social commentary. Each neighborhood Falla creates its own set of ninots, reflecting the community’s creativity and perspective. These figures take months—sometimes over a year—to design and build. Yet, despite the enormous effort, most will meet their fiery fate in the festival’s grand finale!

Two Key Events Leading Up to Fallas

As Fallas approaches, two important events highlight the artistry and satire of the ninots:

1. The Ninot Exhibition (Exposición del Ninot)

? City of Arts and Sciences
? Until March 15
? Tickets & Info

Before they are burned, Valencia’s ninots are showcased at the Ninot Exhibition. Visitors can admire these intricate sculptures and vote for their favorite ninot infantil (child-sized figure) and ninot grande (full-sized figure). The winning ninots earn a rare honor—they are spared from the flames and preserved in the Fallas Museum for posterity.

2. The Parade of Ninots (Cabalgata del Ninot)

? A moving spectacle of satire and tradition

Unlike the ninots on display at the exhibition, the ones in the parade take to the streets in a lively, satirical procession. Each neighborhood Falla rides on elaborate floats, often dressed in costume, parodying famous footballers, celebrities, and politicians. Some of these depictions can be particularly sharp or controversial, but that’s all part of the carnival spirit!

Alongside the satire, the parade also showcases the elegance of Fallas traditions. Falleros and Falleras don their spectacular regional attire, while marching bands and dance groups bring an explosion of music and movement to the streets.

? More on the Parade’s History & What to Expect

Experience the Festival of Fallas

The Cabalgata del Ninot is one of Valencia’s most beloved traditions, blending artistry, humor, and community spirit. If you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to vote for your favorite ninot and join the celebrations!