Valencia is once again ready to erupt with excitement as the Fallas festival kicks off for 2025, marked by the eagerly anticipated mascletà and spectacular fireworks displays. The festival, recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, is famous for its elaborate pyrotechnics, vibrant sculptures, and enthusiastic crowds. This year's festivities officially began on February 23rd with the "Crida," where the Fallera Mayores, the festival's representatives, called upon locals and visitors alike to join the celebrations. Notably, Berta Peiró, one of the Fallera Mayores, inspired hope and solidarity through her speech, emphasizing, "No os olvidéis de Valencia, la ciudad de la solidaridad infinita. Aquí estamos para volver a levantarnos de nuevo," which urged the community to stand strong amid recent hardships caused by natural disasters.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the day promises to be packed with electrifying events. The festivities start early with the ceremonial visit from the Fallera Mayor Infantil de Valencia and her Court of Honor to the Parque de Bomberos on Avenida de la Plata. Excitement builds as the afternoon approaches the main event: the first mascletà of the festival set to ignite at 14:00 hours at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The pyrotechnics company, Pirotecnia Peñarroja, known for their traditional style and impressive displays, is set to set the skies alight.
The mascletà, characterized by its loud and rhythmic detonations, draws considerable crowds each year and serves as the festival's signature start. Last year, Pirotecnia Peñarroja delivered one of the highlights featuring 126 kilos of explosive material, captivating those attending.
Adding to the day's excitement, the Cabalgata del Ninot is scheduled for 17:30 hours. This traditional parade will weave through the streets, showcasing satirical and humorous floats created by various Fallas commissions, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of music and cheers from the public. While this event usually ripples with color and creative flair, organizers informed attendees of the delay of another popular festivity, the Cabalgata del Ninot, which will now take place on March 9 due to Saturday's weather forecast predicting rainfall.
This dynamic festival features not only cultural expressions but also logistical measures to accommodate the high influx of spectators and participants. Transport will play a pivotal role during the Fallas. To assist the mobility of visitors and residents, special public transport arrangements, including alterations to bus and metro services, have been made, effective until March 19, 2025. For attendees heading to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, numerous EMT bus lines, such as 4, 6, 7, and 14, will be operational. Metrovalencia’s services will also be enhanced and will provide several stopping points, ensuring easier access to major event sites.
For the evening, at exactly 23:59 hours, the captivating firework display awaits, organized by Pirotecnia Gironina, with the ambitious title "La luz de la esperanza"—symbolizing hope and resilience for those affected by recent disasters. The show promises to deliver stunning visuals accompanied by carefully composed musical interludes, reminding everyone of the festival's deep-rooted significance.
Despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, including recent rains across Valencia, the spirits remain high. The Ayuntamiento de Valencia remains vigilant about the forecasts and has assured the continuation of the mascletà as planned for the day, emphasizing attendees should stay informed on updates. Weather advisories have highlighted potential rainfall, urging revelers to prepare and participate as they passionately celebrate.
This year, Valencia's Fallas embodies not only elaborate fireworks and culturally rich parades, but also the genuine determination of its citizens to overcome adversity. The festival serves as a beacon of resilience, urging the community to unite and celebrate their heritage amid challenges.
The excitement of the first day culminates the rich tradition of the Fallas, opening the gates for numerous other performances, extensive celebrations, and community gatherings set to follow. With the echoes of firecracker explosions reverberated throughout the city and neighborhoods adorned with colorful decorations, the spirit of the Fallas is alive and indivisible. Indeed, Valencia is once more immersed in its fiery celebrations, moving forward with both festivities and the drive to stand strong together.