Every March, Valencia recalibrates itself around Fallas. The city gets louder, brighter, and a little more chaotic, but in the best possible way.
Fallas is a full-sensory spectacle dating back many centuries, when carpenters burned scraps of wood to welcome spring. Today, it’s a UNESCO-recognized festival known for towering satirical monuments (fallas), handcrafted figures often rooted in humor or social commentary (ninots), and the daily mascletà, an explosive, percussive display designed to be felt as much as heard. The celebration culminates in the cremà, when it all goes up in flames to symbolize renewal. It's a bold and unforgettable experience.
Shortly before the city's large-scale festivities began, our team experienced the spirit of Fallas in a more intimate setting. This year’s celebration took place at Masía Ninyerola, a venue in Picassent with enough indoor and outdoor space to accommodate whatever March decided to do weather-wise.
The day started with shuttles, sunshine (briefly), and a rising buzz. Then, just before lunch, everything shifted. A xaranga (small, high-energy marching band) dressed in bright pink outfits burst through the main doors, filling the space with sound.
They played for nearly an hour before leading the group outside for a pasacalles: a roaming, informal parade that is more like a moving party. People danced, drifted, rejoined. A light drizzle started, but not enough to matter. After a few final songs, the band stepped away, leaving behind the kind of energy that doesn't need much help to keep going.
Food is at the heart of any great gathering, and this one delivered. There was a spread of traditional Valencian dishes with paella at the center. Cue sobremesa, loosely translated as lingering, talking, not checking the time. Later, everyone was treated to a classic merienda, a mid-afternoon snack featuring fartons and horchata, a beloved local pairing that perfectly matched the occasion.
After the fantastic meal, a DJ picked up where the xaranga left off, drawing a steady crowd to the dance floor. Elsewhere, smaller groups formed around tabletop games and conversation. People moved between both, depending on the moment.
And because one good moment deserves another, we brought the experience global with our “Fallas Creative Eye” photo competition. Teammates in Spain captured the textures, color, and movement of the day, sharing images and videos of Valencia with our U.S. team. We all voted on our favorites. Shoutout to Andrés López Tyczynski, whose standout shot (seen below) captured the festival’s drama and took the top spot.
If there’s a takeaway (besides always say yes to the marching band), it’s this: the best moments are the ones you share, whether that’s dancing in the rain or seeing it all through someone else’s lens across the world.
