Fallas
Well, it is that time of the year... Fallas are upon the Valencians, and things are already starting to get crazy. Loud parties, fireworks going off at all times of day and night, girls wearing pretty dresses... ok, maybe I should explain what I know about this celebration first.
The Fallas are a Valencian celebration of St. Joseph's Day on March 19th. Each neighborhood, or barrio, has a group that organizes the celebrations for Fallas. This includes getting bands ready, decorating, constructing the Fallas, and probably much more. What is a Falla? It is what we would call a Float in the US, as it is a giant construction that is NOT paraded around the city. (Edited: The Fallas just sit in the plazas, "awaiting their doom" according to Paco, a true Valencian. Thanks Paco, it sounds way cooler now!) The Fallas typical represent people, including a Falla of George W. Bush in 2005 apparently. The difference between our Floats and Valencia's Fallas, however, is that at the end, they light them on fire! How cool is that!
Under construction... hurry up already, I want to light it on fire!
During the month of March (I accidentally wrote May earlier, thanks Victoria) leading up to the 19th, many celebrations happen. One of them is La Mascletá, which is a fireworks display. However, while we go to fireworks shows for the sights and sounds, Valencians tend to just like the "sounds" portion... la Mascletá is 5 minutes of the loudest firecrackers I have ever heard in my life. It also is about the only event that Spaniards are punctual for (just joking) as it happens every day at almost exactly 2:00 PM. I went last Sunday with my Tandem partner Paula, and it was definitely alot of fun. She also showed me several interesting areas of the city center.
Here is a video of the Mascletá:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDJViPMNF18
Here are some photos:
Walking, dancing, Fallas!
Behind the fence lies an entire nations weapon supply...
Boom! and Look at the sun!
Apparently, there is a lot more to come... with most of the excitement centered around the week of the 19th. I will keep you updated on what will probably be the most exciting Fiesta of my life!
For more information, please visit the link below... it is far more informative than this post :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falles
One final note... my parents, sister, and Aunt Kathy are coming to visit me in less than 3 weeks... yahoo!!!!
posted by Dan Dunbar at 2:55 PM
4 Comments:
Hey! Fallas are not parade! They just sit there in the plazas waiting for their doom! :D
Enjoy our fallas, you'll love them. It's just too bad your family won't be here before the 19th (Valencia WILL get really crowded)
i think i've decided for every post..i'll write a list of my reflections for you.
1) that's sad that they spend all the time making the fallas, and then just set fire to them with ease.
2)first sentence after construction picture of fallas, claims it's happening in the month of may now..and no longer march. i'm confused.
3) fireworks do not equal firecrackers. you led me to believe that there were colorful displays of explosions...when rather firecrackers are just more about noise and explosions. deception is not a good thing my friend.
mmm, i don't think there's more i have to say about this one...until next time.
¿Vamos el sábado y/ó el domingo al centro para la moscletá? Todovía he visto sólo aquéllas del primer día. ¿Te sientes mejor? ¡Hablaremos!
Thanks Paco, I edited my post to reflect that they are not paraded around... which is better, in my opinion :D
And thanks, Victoria... I did accidentally right May there... oops!
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