Fallas

When buying property in Spain the summer months are obviously the most popular time to visit which is a shame as as there is so much more to living in Spain than sun and beaches. There are many different fiestas and festivals throughout the year and one of the biggest and most spectacular are the Fallas.

During March every year the fallas are celebrated accross the Valencian region with the biggest dispalys being in Valencia and Gandia. For anyone who doesn’t know the fallas is a celebration over a period of a week where the streets are closed and given over to huge, elaborate cartoonish displays which on the final night and with traditional Spanish disregard for health and safety are burnt where they stand – something which must be utterly terrifying for those living in apartments on the narrower streets where these are situated. Some of the instalations can be 2 or 3 stories high and close to balconys and windows but it always seems to go well and the buildings are still there the next day.

Along with the dispalys and the burnings there are other events during the period with pageants and parades, medieval markets and an impressive daily mascaleta – an incredibly loud firework and banger display. No doubt designed to frey the nerves of the locals before their streets are finally set on fire. It is a real family event and whilst walking the streets during this period you will see many pop up firework shops and the town is filled with adults and children letting off bangers. It is quite chaotic but great fun.

For anyone thinking of moving to Spain or buying property in the valencian region march is a good time to visit and this festival is not to missed.