Fallas

Today is Fallas Day in Valencia, also St. Joseph's Day and therefore Fathers' Day. It also marks the arrival of Spring.

We walked around Oliva town to look at the Fallas creations.

This one is the winner of the 'Grand Premi' (Valenciano)





It will be burned, the last of the six, being the winner, at around 3am Sunday morning. The surrounding buildings will be hosed by the fire brigade as this happens, so that they do not catch fire. The children will cry when the small children's Falla, situated alongside the main Falla, burns.

The Fallas themes are usually politically motivated, making fun of politicians and public figures - and often rather naughty. All ages, from babies to grandparents ... and great gradnparents ... attend the burnings. It is the most important festival of the year as it originated out of repression and supression of free speech, which is why the figures (tiny at first - cloths draped over old candle holders by carpenters clearing out their workshops at the end of winter) were used to speak out and give vent to feelings. There is always humour attached ... as is the Spanish way.





The surrounding figurines are called 'ninots' (silliness). Each year, someone manages to steal away one and save it from burning.