Valencia officially said goodbye to the Fallas 2025 on March 19, an event known as the Cremà, where over 700 magnificent monuments were set ablaze, marking the culmination of the city’s renowned festival. Celebrated annually, the Cremà serves as a poignant and dramatic close to festivities that sprawl across the first half of March. This year's ceremonies were particularly significant due to their solidarity theme, honoring the victims of DANA, the catastrophic weather event that had affected the province months earlier.
Despite the unwelcome rains that plagued some activities, including the suspension of three planned mascletaes, the overall spirit of Fallas remained undimmed, as crowds flocked to witness the explosive beauty of the festival. The event was broadcasted live by 7Televalencia from the heart of the city at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with the special program running from 20:00 hours until the final embers of the last fallas faded away.
The Cremà began at 20:00, when the children's fallas were set to burn, followed by other ceremonial fires accounted for in an intricate schedule: at 20:30, the winning children's falla from the Special Section was ignited; by 21:00, it was time for the Plaza del Ayuntamiento's children’s falla; and at 22:00, all large fallas including several competitors in the Special Section claimed the spotlight. The excitement culminated in the ceremonial burning of the municipal falla, scheduled for 23:00, involving an extravagant pyrotechnic display courtesy of Caballer FX.
Leading up to the moment of ignition, a carefully orchestrated program unfolded, ensuring that revelers could enjoy this fiery spectacle from multiple vantage points throughout Valencia. Each moment was steeped in local tradition and emotional resonance, especially as attendees reflected on the sentiments cultivated during the festival.
In a notable departure from tradition, two figures were saved from the flames due to their symbolic importance—honoring those who contributed to recovery efforts post-DANA. These were the ninots indultats: a memorial tribute to volunteers involved in the flooding recovery and a representation showcasing local businesses affected by the disaster. This decision highlighted the festival’s commitment to celebrating community strength alongside its rich artistic heritage.
As residents and visitors engaged in an environment filled with nostalgia and spirit, the air crackled with anticipation. Thousands gathered to witness how the heartfelt creations, cherished throughout the festival, surrendered to the flames as part of a ritual viewed as a powerful symbol of renewal. The ceremonial burning of the fallas embodied the repeated themes of letting go and the hope that each new cycle will bring fresh beginnings.
Amidst the pyrotechnic flair, a deep sense of safety was paramount; 355 municipal firefighters were activated as a security measure throughout the event. This team, supplemented by the Consorcio Provincial de Castellón and support from personnel in Madrid, was tasked with ensuring the safety of participants and spectators in a proud display of community solidarity. Their vigilance included cooling down areas around the boxes of fallas deemed at higher risk for fire incidents, such as Na Jordana and Plaza del Pilar.
Juan Carlos Caballero, Valencia’s city council member for firefighters, noted, “The firefighters will remain on duty until every last falla has burned, ensuring our community's safety while we celebrate this tradition.” This remark mirrored the collective sentiment among the public, reassuring them of the preparations in place to support a safe celebration.
The Cremà was also made accessible to audiences beyond Valencia’s borders. Multiple broadcasts allowed the spectacle to reach viewer's homes across Spain. The regional station À Punt initiated their coverage at 20:00, featuring live connections from across Valencia and beyond, while La 2 de TVE began its transmission at 22:30 hours. ABC further extended the reach of the festivities by providing online streaming, ensuring even those who couldn’t be physically present could partake in the emotions of the night.
The end of the Fallas 2025 not only marked the conclusion of a festive period of artistic expression and cultural engagement but also symbolized a collective embracing of resilience. As the community looked forward to the coming year, their experiences during this year's celebrations filled their hearts with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the city's traditions.
As Valencia bids adieu to this year’s festivities, the flames of the Cremà remind everyone of the past while ushering in hopes for the future—a fitting testament to the spirit and innovation at the heart of the Fallas tradition.
