The Valencia's Fallas 2025 festival has kicked off with great fervor and determination, ushered in by the traditional opening ceremony known as the Crida. Taking place from the iconic Torres de Serranos, this year's event has been underscored not just by celebration, but also by messages of togetherness and resilience following the devastating DANA floods.
Valencia's mayor, María José Catalá, emphasized the importance of welcoming back all the falleros from nearby towns. "We open our hearts to the falleros coming from other towns," she asserted during her speech at the ceremony. She presented the keys to the city, symbolically stating, "These keys are yours, inscribed with thank you for showing the greatness of the Valencians' heart after the DANA. More than ever, we are the cap i casal (the capital)." Catalá also mentioned the districts affected by the floods, including Castellar-Oliveral, Forn d'Alcedo, and La Torre, reinforcing the communal effort to rebuild and rejuvenate the spirit of the celebration.
Following the mayor's remarks, the Fallera Mayor, Berta Peiró, shared her sentiments about the challenges the Valencian community has faced over the past year. "This year, Valencians face one of our most difficult years; we are here because the floods did not extinguish our love for Fallas. The commissions embody the party, the flame shouting to the heavens, saying we are officially back for Fallas!" she exclaimed with passion.
The opening ceremony also welcomed Lucía García, the children’s Fallera, who chose to focus on spreading hope. “I want to remind those who have suffered the effects of the DANA, especially the children. We wish to send out messages of hope. Everything is possible during the Fallas,” she declared, inviting everyone to join the celebrations and partake in traditional dances. She continued, “Fallas reflect our people. We invite you to dance, and may the Geperudeta (an emblematic figure of the festival) protect us. Let this be the best of Fallas!”
Thousands flocked to the event hours before it officially began to witness the Crida, which this year unified themes of visibly standing up against the adversities. Among those present was the regional president, Carlos Mazón, who was noticeably absent from the ceremony itself, though his support was felt through social media where he declared the event one of recovery. Despite his absence, the spirit of solidarity permeated the venue as locals and visitors alike gathered under the hopeful slogans surrounding the festivities.
This year’s Crida has taken on a reimagined format, focusing heavily on local talent. Under the theme “Despertant els nostres cors” (Awakening our Hearts), the event featured various local artists, musicians, and aerial acrobats who paid tribute to the strength of the Valencian people to rise from adversity. Highlights included melodic renditions of the traditional Fallas anthem crafted with special arrangements and poetic performances, bringing fresh life to the historic festival.
Actress Pilar Martínez lent her voice to the Torres de Serranos, personifying the monument with poignant narration, making the connection to the city and its deep-rooted festivities even stronger. At the event’s conclusion, attendees were treated to vibrant fireworks from Pirotecnia Peñarroja, marking the official start of Fallas 2025 festivities.
Many locals echoed sentiments reflecting on the year’s struggles, as Peiró encapsulated them saying, “The floods have not taken our passion for Fallas, but instead have ignited greater solidarity.” Mayor Catalá reinforced this message: “This year more than ever, these Fallas are symbols of brotherhood, solidarity, and hope.”
Valencia gears up for the ensuing weeks filled with colorful parades, elaborate floats, and the celebrated mascletà, ensuring the festival showcases the heart and spirit of the community. With festivities set to continue until March 19, the anticipation for the Ofrenda and other key events is palpable and engendered with the promises of resilience and shared joy.
Indeed, the essence of Valencia’s Fallas is not only about celebration but also about coming together as one community, particularly after facing challenges. The announcements of planned events and expressions of hope set forth during the Crida embody this very sentiment, reminding all of the enduring spirit of the Fallas.
So, as the festival progresses, Valencians and visitors alike will continue to celebrate not just the Fallas itself but also the unity and recovery of their beloved community.