Valencia's vibrant spirit came alive with the traditional La Crida, marked as the official launch of the Fallas Festival 2025. This year’s event took place on February 23rd, underlining the city's rich traditions and the joy of communal celebrations. Thousands attended the ceremony at the iconic Torres de Serranos, where the Fallera Mayores, Berta Peiró and Lucía García, invited both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the festivities.
La Crida, which translates to 'The Call' in English, serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the Fallas, renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage event. Starting at 7:30 PM, the Falleras Mayores ushered in the festive season by addressing the crowd and encouraging participation from all.
The day began with various activities uniting the community. It started early, at 6:30 AM, with the traditional plegaria to Santa Bárbara, the patron saint of fireworks, held at the Church of San Juan del Hospital. Following the morning prayers, the atmosphere filled with excitement as participants celebrated with the macrodespertà, utilizing vibrant fireworks known as tro de bac throughout the streets. Over 2,200 individuals joined this early morning festivity, echoing with the sound of fireworks and joyous cheers.
After the macrodespertà, the activities continued with the Entrada de Bandas (Entrance of Bands), where 14 musical groups paraded to the Town Hall square, creating a musical spectacle. The groups finished with the iconic pasodoble ‘El Fallero’ and other traditional tunes, reinforcing the festival’s cultural significance.
At noon, the anticipation heightened with the mascletà performance, setting the stage for the main event—the Crida. The ceremony not only serves as the launchpad for the festivities but also accentuates the importance of community solidarity.
This year's event was particularly poignant, paying tribute to those affected by the flooding disaster on October 29, emphasizing resilience and unity within the Valencian community. The motto for the evening was ‘Despertant els nostres cors’, or ‘Awakening Our Hearts,’ echoing the theme of recovery and hope.
Innovations were evident as La Crida featured enhanced audiovisual elements. The event organizers, led by Santiago Ballester, announced upgrades to sound systems and the addition of larger screens to improve the audience experience, catering to the thousands attending the festivities.
Not just limited to local attendees, the occasion was anticipated by many from outside the region, making it one of the highlights of the Valencia calendar. The evening’s program was broadcast live, allowing those unable to attend to participate virtually through platforms like À Punt and La 8 Mediterráneo.
Once the festivities began, the Valencia Mayor, María José Catalá, led the ritualistic part of the event, officially handing over the keys of the city to the Fallera Mayores. This symbolic gesture marked their role as ambassadors for the festival, inviting everyone to partake.
The subsequent fireworks display, curated by Pirotecnia Peñarroja, brightened the night sky, signaling the culmination of the opening ceremony and setting the tone for the vibrant celebrations to follow. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, cheers, and the crackling excitement of thousands gathered together.
The festivities will continue as the city gears up for the main events of Fallas, including daily fireworks, parades, and the construction of spectacular fallas, or sculptures, set to be displayed throughout the festival. The celebration of arts, culture, and community spirit will showcase each neighborhood's creativity, resulting in stunning installations and performances.
After La Crida, the Falleras Mayores will conclude their duties by taking floral offerings to the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados, receiving the admiration of the community and solidifying their role as cultural icons.
The Fallas Festival is not merely about fireworks and parades; it embodies the essence of Valencian identity—rich, colorful, and passionate. With participants from various backgrounds coming together, this year’s La Crida set the foundation for another unforgettable month filled with culture, tradition, and community spirit.
Throughout Valencia, the festivities will run until March 19th, culminating with the ceremonial burning of the fallas sculptures, representing triumph over adversity and hope for the future. The city's streets will converge with laughter, music, and vibrant celebrations—hallmarks of the Fallas Festival.