The vibrant city of Valencia reaches a spectacular crescendo as the annual Fallas celebrations culminate with the Cremà on March 19, 2025. This cherished festival, traditional to the region, involves the dramatic burning of elaborate ninots—large, artistic sculptures made primarily from wood and papier-mâché. It is a vivid spectacle of fire that not only entertains but also embodies the resilience of the Valencian people following last year’s devastating floods.
As dusk envelops Valencia, the Cremà, which literally means "the burning" in Valencian, transforms the streets into a festival of flames. The Burning of the Fallas is set to unfold amid the crackle of fireworks and the excitement of onlookers. Each year, the ninots serve as artistic critiques often laden with satirical commentary on contemporary society, including figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
This year's Fallas have an added layer of meaning. Following the floods that ravaged parts of Valencia in October 2024, many sculptures incorporate materials salvaged from the destruction, symbolizing rebirth and community spirit. The context of recovery is echoed in the slogan of this year's festivities: "Despertant els nostres cors" (Awakening our hearts), which reflects the collective will of the people to overcome adversity.
On the final day of the festivities, various traditional events pave the way for the Cremà. The day kicks off with the Ofrenda de flores, an offering of flowers to Saint Joseph, which takes place at 11:00 AM. This ceremonial gesture was performed by the Fallera Mayor de Valencia, Berta Peiró, and her counterpart, the Fallera Mayor Infantil, Lucía García, alongside their court, making their way to the iconic bridge of Sant Josep.
At noon, a solemn mass is held in the Cathedral of Valencia, officiated by Archbishop Enrique Benavent. By 14:00 hours, the air fills with excitement as the last mascletà—an explosive pyrotechnic display—is launched in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, further prepared by Pirotecnia Caballer FX Global Foc, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon at 19:00, the Cabalgata del Fuego, a colorful parade featuring fiery performances, winds through the streets, leading up to the evening's main event. As the clock strikes 20:00, the first of the children's fallas ignite—an exhilarating moment that symbolizes the coming climax of the festival.
At 20:30, the highly acclaimed winning falla from the Special Section, Convento Jerusalén, will endure its burning, setting the stage for what’s to follow. This particular falla garnered appreciation for its compelling social commentary, encapsulating the spirit and struggles of the community affected by recent disasters.
The grand finale takes place at 22:00 when the larger fallas begin to burn, drawing in crowds from every corner of the city. The anticipation builds as the winning monument, also from the Convento Jerusalén commission, is set alight at 22:30, culminating in the explosive and vivid display that captures the hearts of all witnesses.
Just before the final falla, the traditional fireworks display, another high point of the night, will captivate the audience with a symphony of colors and sounds starting at 23:00. This ultimate spectacle will signify not just the end of the festivities but also a release of the emotions held by the Valencian population.
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s event, Valencia’s President Carlos Mazón emphasized the importance of community resilience. "It’s a night of caution, but also a night to enjoy, because many people have fought hard to lift these fallas," stated Mazón, as he attended the festivities with local authorities, an unexpected but welcomed presence that resonated with attendees.
This year's Fallas stand as a testament to Valencia's cultural heritage—classified as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’ by UNESCO in 2016—illustrating the vibrancy and tenacity of the community, even in the face of adversity. As the flames rise, they symbolize not merely destruction, but a fiery spirit of unity and celebration.
In a unique turn, the festivities come as the region continues to heal from the challenges posed by the natural disasters of the past months. The participation of various local authorities in the Cremà reflects the deeper communal ties that bind the city together. The sense of hope that fills the air during these final moments of the Fallas 2025 offers everyone a chance to celebrate not just tradition, but the process of recovery itself.
As the last embers glow and fade into the night, Valencia bids farewell to another year of Fallas, while collectively looking forward to the future—a future rooted in strength, creativity, and community bonding.
