Seen from the outside, to any non-Valencian can understand why so much time and money are used to build a monument to then burn it. It can sound bizarre. We are therefore obligated to explain what Las Fallas symbolize, its origin and tradition behind them.
Like any festivity, there is much myth around Las Fallas in order to give them a pagan origin. If it is true or not, we do not know, but the possibility exists because, setting fire to wooden monuments is not unique in Valencia; it is also a tradition in other cities.
What is unique to the city of Valencia is the fact of creating great monuments and expose them on the streets for the delight of the people, and not just been fascinated by the work of ‘fallero artist’ but also with the criticism that represents the monument. Yes, this is Las Fallas as we know them today.
Its origin goes back to the ancient carpenters associations (XVII century), on their patron’s eve, Saint Jose. They put out into the streets the leftover wood kept in their workshops during the winter, and were burned in honour of his saint, act that symbolizes the purification and cleansing of workshops in order to welcome the spring.
Over the years, the popular imagination gave away to the creation of small structures with a strong social criticism and it turned into a “fight” to see which neighbouring gets more recognition for their monument. In 1901, the City Council awards for the first time these monuments they built by their neighbours: Las Fallas. Clarifying that the etymology of the word comes from Latin and means torch, graphic right?
Since those early awards were given, Las Fallas have grown in quantity and quality. Only the city of Valencia has more than 700 monuments without counting on Las Fallas in other towns in Valencia. Las Fallas commissions work very hard all year to get their party on their “casales”, their meeting place.
Monuments
Over the years, the monuments have developed to unimaginable levels. Today we find creations that exceed 30 meters, and are designed to use satire and irony to make criticism of the problems that occurred during the year.
Las Fallas are made of materials such as wood (for structure), expanded polystyrene, polyurethanes and papier mache. But not only must highlight the criticism hidden in every ninot but the work done to shape the mentioned materials to transform them into works of art. And all this made by fallero artist, who is in charge of designing and shaping the falla. And that’s how Las Fallas look from March 15 to 19, day of San Jose and, therefore, ‘la cremà’ (burning).
Clothing
The faller clothing has its origin in the Valencian traditional outfit from the sixteenth century. It was the dress of working woman in the field but, over the years, it was given glamor and distinction, being reserved for special occasions.
Valencian dresses are made of great elaboration and numerous accessories, prints with multitude colours and embroidery, short or long sleeves, ‘mantilla’, scarf, pettitcoat, bodice … Multitude of pieces that make the Valencia dress spectacular.
Regarding the hairstyle, falleras can carry one single bun (in the back of the head) or three (behind and both sides) with or without some waves in the front. That depends on fashion and according to the dress they wear.
About the traditional man clothing, suit saragüell
or Torrentí are the most popular.
As much as it is written about Las Fallas and everything around this event, nothing like live it closely, if you are thinking about the idea of going to Valencia and live their biggest event, SingularStays has the best accommodations: equipped apartments and central for you.See you next week!
