The Fallas of Valencia is a popular festival that is celebrated every year in the city of Valencia, Spain, during the week of March 19, in honor of Saint Joseph, patron saint of the city. This festival has its origins in the 18th century, when the city's carpenters used to burn wood scraps that they did not need during the winter, as a way to welcome spring.
Over time , this tradition became a more elaborate festival, in which cardboard and wood monuments are created and displayed in the streets of Valencia for several days, before being burned on the night of March 19, known as the "Nit of the Cremà". These monuments, called "fallas," often depict satirical scenes from everyday life, as well as political and cultural figures.
The first documented falla was created in 1791, and since then , the Fallas have evolved into one of the most important festivals in Valencia, and one of the most popular festivals in Spain. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to Valencia to witness the creation and burning of the Fallas, as well as to enjoy other festive activities, such as parades and fireworks.
In 2020, due to Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valencia Fallas were canceled for the first time in their history, but the festival is expected to be held again in 2022 and in the years to come.
The Valencia Fallas have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016.
