Spain: Las Fallas 2023 : Oscar Fernandez

It has been a year since our last post on the Las Fallas festival.

Here we are again celebrating the arrival of spring and honoring Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters The origin of las Fallas comes from the old carpenter's tradition who, when celebrating the arrival of spring on 19th March, used to burn pieces of wood (parots) that were used to prop up their lights during the winter.

Fast forward to contemporary Fallas celebrations where different organizations spend all year building their most creative and often with a poignant message assembly of characters made of papier-mâché and wood for display. Every year a committee goes around the city looking to nominate the best Fallas. The winning Fallas is spared from being burned on the night of the 19th. The winning and most creative figures are later exhibited in Valencia's Fallas museum.

We took pictures of the first prize winning Fallas and here they are for your enjoyment.

This year's Fallas has turned out to be picture perfect weather wise with us moving around the city discovering the different elaborate fallas and viewing the parades with music and locals of all ages dressed in traditional garb, the women in stunning silk costumes.

Interesting fact, the Fallas also starts the season of bullfighting here in Valencia.

This article will tell you all about the Fallas.

Celebrating Las Fallas Festival in Valencia: Everything You Need to Know (spendlifetraveling.com)

Winning Falla 2023