On the evening of February 23, 2025, Valencia’s iconic Torres de Serranos served as the backdrop for the Crida, the ceremonial kickoff to the famous Fallas Festival. According to local sources, the theme of this year’s Crida was more deeply rooted in Valencian identity than ever, featuring live performances from some of the region’s top talents, including traditional dancers and aerial acrobats amid pyrotechnics.
More than 100,000 attendees filled the surrounding area, confirming the event's popularity and the enduring enthusiasm for the Fallas, even following the hardships faced by the community due to recent flood disasters. "No olvidéis de Valencia, os necesitamos," urged Fallera Mayor Berta Peiró, channeling the spirit of resilience and solidarity as she honored the regions affected by the devastating floods.
This year’s ceremony took on special significance as it diverged from the increasingly digital formats of past celebrations. Instead, the focus was firmly on live performances. Notable artists like Lorena Calero and Gonzalo Manglano performed live renditions of El Fallero, the emblematic anthem of the festival, accompanied by the local choir consisting of 30 children from the Escolanía de la Virgen de los Desamparados and dazzling aerial ballet displays.
Local broadcaster À Punt provided extensive coverage of the Crida, which included ground-breaking elements such as drone technology to capture the impressive scale of the festivities. The ceremony started at 19:00 hours, signifying the official beginning of the 2025 celebrations and highlighting the return of cultural vibrancy to Valencia.
Berta Peiró’s address evoked themes of recovery and community spirit, referencing the painful aftermath of the October floods affecting many Valencians. She emphasized the role of solidarity among falleros, stating, "The riada has not taken our love for the Fallas. We rise from the ashes to announce the festivities are open. This year, spring will also come," sparking applause from the gathered crowd.
Before initiating the ceremonial proceedings, the Mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, symbolically handed the keys to the city to the Falleras Mayores, highlighting the inclusion of unaffected communities and those hit hardest by recent disasters. "These keys represent the hope and strength of all the Valencians, especially those from the affected towns," she said, underscoring the solidarity theme echoed by both Peiró and her infant counterpart, Lucía García.
Reflecting on the community’s strength, García sent messages of encouragement to fellow children from the affected areas, expressing hope for the future of the festival and assuring the attendees, "The sun always shines again like the Fallas!" This forward-looking sentiment captured the spirit of renewal and resilience central to this year's Crida.
Valencia’s Crida is not just about marking the transitional moment from winter to spring; it symbolizes the heartbeat of the Valencian culture—steeped in history, community pride, and artistic expression. This year, with impacts of the past floods poignantly underlying the festivities, it served to fortify communal ties and affirm the cultural fabric of Valencia.
Every detail of the ceremony paid homage to the rich traditions of Valencia, encapsulated by the theme “Despertant els nostres cors” (Awakening Our Hearts). It echoed through poignant performances and resounding affirmations of community solidarity. The event truly rejuvenated the spirit of Valencia, drawing people together to celebrate not just their culture, but also their ability to overcome shared struggles.
Following the formalities and performances, the thousands gathered around the Torres de Serranos were treated to stunning fireworks, a bittersweet reflection of the resilience—and the fun—of the fallero spirit remaining alive and ever-present. The Crida, which translates to ‘call,’ aptly signified the heartfelt invitation extended by Valencia to its residents and visitors alike: to come together, celebrate, and share in the unique spirit of Fallas.
Undoubtedly, the 2025 Crida not only set the stage for the celebrations yet to come but also reinforced Valencia’s commitment to healing and unity, rallying its renowned festive spirit and cultural heritage, proving once again, there’s no festival quite like the Fallas.