The vibrant traditions of Valencia’s Fallas festival hit a setback as the City Council announced the cancellation of the traditional mascletà scheduled for March 4, 2025. This decision stems from the persistent heavy rains and safety concerns prompted by the severe weather sweeping through the area.
The announcement was made public via the city’s official social media accounts and was confirmed by local news sources. The mascletà – renowned for its thunderous firecrackers and elaborate pyrotechnics – was set to be executed by Pirotecnia Dragón from Villena, yet forecasts from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) indicated intolerable conditions for such spectacles.
"La persistentcia de las fuertes lluvias" y "motivos de seguridad" han precipitado la decisión de que la mascletà de Pirotecnia Dragón, de Villena, queda suspendida.
The city has been under multiple weather alerts this week, with AEMET issuing orange warnings due to forecasts predicting up to 30 liters of rain per square meter within one hour and 100 liters over the span of 12 hours hitting coastal areas. Similar projections extended over northern Alicante and southern Valencia, necessitating immediate action from municipal authorities.
This cancellation marks the first disruption within the current Fallas program, which runs from March 1 to March 19. So far, all other scheduled mascletàs and firework displays have been performed, albeit under the looming threat of inclement weather. Prior to this, only the Cabalgata del Ninot—a festive parade typically held on the first Saturday of the month—suffered postponement, planned to proceed next Sunday, March 9, if conditions allow.
The weather has been uncooperative, as strong winds and heavy rainfall threaten to derail what is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Local fire services maintain significant discretion on whether or not to go forward with the mascletà based on real-time weather assessments. Usually, they check the intensity of the rain and wind speed prior to any event. Rain tends to pose significant hazards, particularly when it affects the pyrotechnic material, as moisture can damage the fireworks, limiting their function and increasing risks during the show.
Officials have worked diligently to inform residents about the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve. Those planning to attend upcoming mascletàs have been advised to stay alert for announcements, with recommendations to wear waterproof clothing and carry umbrellas to avoid accidents on slippery surfaces.
Although the decision has proven to be difficult for the city, it speaks to the importance of public safety, particularly at large-scale events where crowds gather. Adequate plans are underway to assess following events of the Fallas festival, and there is still hope among locals and tourists alike for clearer skies.
Valencia has made it abundantly clear it hopes for improvements in weather conditions so the festival can go on uninterrupted, as it's central to the city's cultural identity and cherished by its residents. The people of Valencia are eagerly waiting to see if this setback will lead to more cancellations or if the skies might clear just enough to safely proceed with the upcoming mascletàs planned for the festival.
With all eyes on the forecast, Valencia continues to hold its breath, prepared for the joys of the Fallas festival but mindful of the forces of nature. Everyone hopes for the weather’s kindness so the excitement of colorful fireworks can return soon, lighting up the skies once again.