If you’re new to Valencia, let me just warn you now: Falles is not just a festival. It’s a full experience. In fact, calling it a festival almost feels like an understatement. For about a month, the entire city transforms. Streets close, fireworks explode late into the night, giant sculptures appear on every corner, and the sound of firecrackers becomes part of your daily life. And if it’s your first Falles, it can feel a little overwhelming at first.
But it’s also one of the most incredible cultural experiences you’ll ever witness. I remember being in town one Saturday night, right at the beginning of the season, around February 28 to March 1, when they launched a huge fireworks show at midnight to officially kick off the celebration. That moment alone set the tone for what was coming next.
It was loud, vibrant, chaotic, and honestly magical. While Falles technically runs throughout March, the biggest events happen during the final week, leading up to the grand finale on March 19. The schedule changes each year slightly, but it usually looks very similar to the one below.
The Falles Calendar (Example Schedule)
Every Day from March 1st
- Mascletà – 2:00 PM (Plaza del Ayuntamiento)
This is a daily fireworks event focused on sound rather than visuals. It’s loud, intense, and very Valencian.
March 12
- Pyrotechnic show – 8:30 PM
March 13
- Traditional dances and songs – 8:00 PM
- Pyrotechnic show – 11:59 PM
March 14
- Pyrotechnic show – 11:59 PM
March 15 (La Plantà)
- Children’s fallas are set up – 9:00 AM
- Pyrotechnic show – 11:59 PM
This is when the fallas statues begin appearing across the city.
March 16 (La Plantà)
- All fallas must be completed – 8:00 AM
- Children’s awards ceremony – 4:30 PM
- Fireworks at Monteolivete Bridge – 11:59 PM
March 17
- Awards ceremony – 9:00 AM
- Flower offering (Ofrenda) begins – 3:30 PM
- Fireworks at Monteolivete Bridge – 11:59 PM
March 18 (Nit del Foc)
- Flower offering continues – 3:30 PM
- Nit del Foc fireworks show – 11:59 PM
This is one of the biggest fireworks shows of the entire festival.
March 19 (La Cremà)
The final day of Falles.
- Flower offering continues – Plaza de la Virgen
- Mass at the Cathedral – 12:00 PM
- Fire Parade (Cabalgata del Fuego) – 7:00 PM
Then comes the main event.
The burning of the fallas.
- 8:00 PM – Children’s fallas burn
- 8:30 PM – First-place children’s falla burns
- 9:00 PM – Children’s falla in Plaza del Ayuntamiento burns
- 10:00 PM – Adult fallas burn across the city
- 10:30 PM – First-place falla burns
- 11:00 PM – The final falla in Plaza del Ayuntamiento burns
And just like that, the entire city goes up in flames… in the most beautiful way possible.
Getting Around During Falles
Here’s the honest truth: your feet will be your best friend during Falles. Many streets close, traffic changes constantly, and large crowds fill the city center. But public transportation does help.
Metro
The metro runs 24 hours starting March 14 until the morning of March 20.
However, keep in mind:
- Xàtiva and Colón stations usually close between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM for the Mascletà crowds.
Buses and Trains
- EMT buses and Cercanías trains run 24 hours starting March 15.
- However, some routes are diverted because of crowds and road closures.
Download the Falles App
If you want to stay organized, download the Falles app. Search for the Flama Falles App (available on Apple and Android).
Instagram: @flamaappfallas
It helps you:
- Locate fallas monuments
- Track events
- Navigate the city
Pro Tips for Surviving Falles
- Make a meeting plan: Cell service often dies in large crowds. If you’re meeting friends, choose a meeting spot beforehand. Trying to text in the middle of the Mascletà crowd is nearly impossible.
- Noise-cancellation protection: If you know you’re sensitive to loud noise, I’d definitely recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones or a good pair of earplugs.
- Watch out for pickpockets: Unfortunately, big festivals attract pickpockets. Keep your phone, wallet, purse, and TIE safe and secure. A crossbody bag or money belt helps.
Explore the Fallas Sculptures
There are hundreds of fallas monuments throughout the city. Some of the most famous ones require tickets to enter, especially the Special Section Fallas. But honestly, wandering around and discovering them randomly is half the fun. Your first Falles will probably feel like sensory overload. Fireworks at midnight. Firecrackers at 8 AM. Giant sculptures everywhere. Streets full of music, food, and celebration. But it’s also one of the most unique cultural traditions in Spain. You’ll quickly realize that Falles isn’t something you simply attend; you experience it. So wear comfortable shoes, keep your phone close, and embrace the chaos. And most importantly…
Happy Falles!
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
