Fallas 2011 and Fathers Day in Spain

Dia del padre (Father’s day) is celebrated on the 19th of March. It falls on St. Joseph’s day. Celebrations for Father’s day depend on the city you’re in and in some parts of Spain, like Valencia, there’s a grand celebration on this day called “Las Fallas.”

Las Fallas is undoubtedly one of the most unique and crazy festivals in Spain. Las Fallas literally means “the fires”. Valencia is busy preparing the festive atmosphere from early in the month with the mascletas, noisy firework displays that take place every day at 2pm in Town Hall Square. Then it is time for the traditional planta of the fallas. People work all night to erect more than 700 statues in the city’s streets and squares. Some even start setting up days before – these huge statues can reach up to 20 metres in height.

You can enjoy these impressive scenes until the crema, when they are set alight amidst a fascinating spectacle of light, music and fireworks. All are burnt except one ninot which, elected by a popular vote, is saved from the flames to form part of the collection at the Fallero Museum.

Another of the most exciting moments of the Fallas is the floral offering to the Virgin Mary. When the Fallas parade starts in honour of the Virgin, there is a mountain of flowers 14 metres high. Open-air celebrations, parades, competitions and other activities complete the festive programme. Valencia, usually a quiet city with a population of half a million, turns into a town of over three million flame-loving revelers during Las Fallas.

If you can get up to Valencia for a few days, or even for the main day, on one of the coach trips, we would definitely recommend it.

Estival Tour Travel Agency are offering a coach trip to Valencia, staying in a 3 star hotel for two nights half board and including insurance, for only 143€, with pick up here at La Zenia. Or alternatively 41€ per person for 4* hotel and B&B.

For the more adventurous, they can organize train tickets and hotel accommodation in the city centre, all to suit budgets and requirements.