A small but very nice Falla in the suburbs of Valencia.
"Falla Infantil", a small Falla is always acompanying the main one.
1st Prize in Alzira
(Click on the pictures to enlarge them)
"Las Fallas" in Valencia is the biggest fiesta in this part of Spain. It all evolves around incredible sculptures made of pulp, the "Fallas", that are prepared during the spring and put out into the streets for a four day long fiesta. I went there in 2002 to visit Jose Vincente, a good friend who lived in the village of Alzira.
Everywere in the region you find these masterpieces, made with a great deal of artistery,resembling themes from politics, arts and exotism.
A small but very nice Falla in the suburbs of Valencia. |
"Falla Infantil", a small Falla is always acompanying the main one. |
1st Prize in Alzira |
My "excuse" for participating in the Fallas was to come and play in Jose's band (every Falla has its own band). I had the challenging position of playing the cow-bell.
 The Band. |
 Playing lessons. |
 Posing in front of our Falla. |
During the Fallas, the persons belonging to each Falla were dressed in beatiful local tradional costumes. And during the day, we went all around the village in processions filled with music and fireworks to visit the neighboring Fallas.
 Fallera principal in our Falla. |
 Procession. |
 Another Fallera from our Falla. |
And... what happends the night the fiesta is finished?? They burn all the wonderful Fallas!! And afterwards everyone goes home, tired and ashy, for a good night's (and day's!) sleep!
 The burning of our Falla. |
 Just before; a final pose of Jose and Me in front of our Falla. |
 The firemen are ever present to prevent the neightboring buildings to catch fire! |
Para la gente que vistié ahí hice una presentatión un poco más personal con las fotos aquí y unas otras. Aquí está (PowerPoint).
Feel free to send me comments about this page, the photos or "las Fallas"!
