Valencia is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 Fallas festivities take center stage this March. Amidst vibrant displays of artwork and the intoxicative scent of gunpowder, today marks the beginning of the much-anticipated celebrations.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, the program for the Fallas kicks off with festivities including the traditional 'mascletà,' planned for 2:00 PM at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, performed by Pirotecnia Alto Palancia.
This year’s Fallas celebration features numerous activities and highlights, including the visit from Valencia’s Fallera Mayor and her Honor Court to the City of the Artist Fallero at 10:30 AM, where they will tour various workshops.
The Fallas festivities continue daily with 'mascletàs' leading up to the spectacular night-time firework show set for midnight on March 9, as the first 'Cabalgata del Ninot' commences on the same day.
Weather concerns have emerged as Valencia braces for heavy rain, particularly from the Sahara, leading the State Agency of Meteorology (AEMET) to issue warnings of intense and persistent downpours through the day. Although today’s maximum temperatures may reach 15ºC, the rain threatens to influence public participation and safety during the celebrations.
The clouds loom large as authorities monitor the weather situation closely. The prospect of heavy rains could impact both the ground pyrotechnics and aerial displays expected during the 'mascletà.' A yellow and orange warning flags are waved due to the threat of rainfall exceeding 100 liters per square meter, prompting local officials to remain vigilant.
Throughout the morning, officials from the Valencia Fire Department, tasked with determining event parameters, postponed their final decision on whether today’s 'mascletà' can safely proceed. The authorities are balancing public safety concerns against the potential for continued stormy weather.
With the eyes of Valencia on the sky, visitors to the 'mascletà' can stay updated via official channels to ascertain whether rain will hinder the firing of the pyrotechnics, particularly concerning the integrity of the materials involved.
This year’s 'mascletà' is made even notable as it features Pirotecnia Alto Palancia making its debut at the Fallas celebration, after the company was established following the closure of the previous Pirotecnia Zarzoso. With plans to ignite approximately 135 kilograms of gunpowder over six minutes, their set will deliver four shows from various locations.
Including this significant event are many prominent guests such as journalists, members of Valencia Basketball’s men’s team, representatives from the Aspanion Association, and the President of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV), ensuring high profile attendance.
Among the notable figures is Jesús Álvarez, veteran journalist and television figure, who has spent nearly 50 years covering major sporting events including the FIFA World Cups and various Olympic Games, making today’s gathering one for the history books.
Valencia’s Fallas celebration enthralls not only with its cultural displays but also with the sense of community it fosters, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to immerse themselves fully. The camaraderie and joy fill the streets; yet the looming weather forecast dims spirits as uncertainty reigns.
With all preparations made and attendees anticipated, Valencia awaits the final word from city officials as they look toward the sky, praying for favorable conditions to proceed with the day’s vibrant festivities.
Should the 'mascletà' take place, organizers remind the public to prepare for possible weather conditions and adopt precautionary measures such as raincoats and umbrellas. Safety remains the priority as Valencia keeps its traditions alive amid shifting weather patterns.