Las fallas 2012
One of the biggest festivals in Valencia is Las Fallas and takes place in the month March 2012. Of course you can read a description of this spectacular festival, but the best way to find out what Fallas really is, is to experience it yourself. We are looking forward to Las Fallas 2012.
When
Fallas officially starts the last Sunday of February with an opening party “La Crida” at the Torres de Serrano and finishes with “La Crema” on the 19th of March 2012. During “La Crema” all the sculptures (around 600), made of Polystyrene and wood, will be burned.
Origin of Fallas
There are different stories related to the origin of Fallas, among others the following:
- The origin of Fallas dates back to the Middle Ages when artisans burnt artifacts that were broken to celebrate the spring.
- Another story: Carpenters burnt the planks of wood to celebrate spring. These planks were during winter used to hang candles.
The planks or artifacts changed slowly to dolls and then into large sculptures. Every Casal (kind of Carnival association) designs a sculpture in a certain theme. Normally you can recognize various national and international happenings and figures in a sarcastic way. Sometimes theses Fallas are more than 30 meters high and the most expensive Falla in the year 2009 cost approximately 1 million euro.
Fallera Mayor
The Fallera Mayor is the most important representative of Valencia during the Fallas. She is present at all official moments and meetings during the Fallas. If someone is chosen as Fallera Mayor, then this is a huge honor for this person and the Casal. In the year 2010 Maria Pilar Gimenez Santamarina was the lucky Fallera Mayor. In the year 2012, Sandra Muñoz will be the Fallera Mayor.
Highlights during Fallas
- Mascleta
From the beginning of March you can experience the fire work and/or cracks on Plaza Ayuntamiento at 14.00 o’clock. This event takes place every day till the 19th of March 2012. If you listen really well to the fire cracks, you can sometimes recognize a rhythm in these fire cracks. If you want to experience a Mascleta in Valencia it is important that you wear (sun) glasses. The (sun) glasses can protect your eyes if a burning piece will fall out of the air. Furthermore can be recommended that you will check from which direction the wind is coming. This in order to secure that you will stand at a right spot and to prevent that the wind will blow all the burning pieces into you direction.
- Flower offer
On the 17th and 18th of March 2012 many “Casal’s” will offer flowers to the holy virgin at Plaza de la Virgen.
- Fire work
During the Fallas there are also various beautiful colorful fire work spectacles. The most impressive fire work spectacle you can experience during the “Nit del foc” at the 18th of March 2012. This spectacle takes place in and around the Turia park.
- Bull fighting
During the Fallas there are various bullfighting performances in the Plaza de Toros of Valencia. The entrance prices vary and also depend on sun/shadow. If you choose to sit in the shadow, a ticket is usually more expensive than if you want to sit in the sun. If you want to experience a bull fighting performance in Valencia during Fallas, you can find more information on our bullfighting page.
- Cabalgata del Fuego
There are many parades in the streets during Fallas, that are nice and interesting to see, but the “Fire Parade” at the 19th of March 2012 can be really recommended.
Recommendations
Are you planning to experience the Fallas festival in Valencia? You might want to see and taste more of Valencia. Tours Valencia offers different guided tours, excursions and workshops in Valencia during Fallas.
Fallas tours
Would you like to experience Fallas 2012 in a different and unique way? Tours Valencia offers various possibilities to discover the biggest celebration of the year in Valencia, “Las Fallas”. Among others:
- Pre – Fallas tour (if you visit Valencia at another moment during the year);
- Fallas tour (if you really would like to get to know where Fallas is all about and experience it the way it is meant to be, furthermore we will give practical and interesting recommendations)
- Fallero or Fallera for 1 day (if you would like to experience Fallas as the locals, than you could choose to be part of a Fallas association for one day. Good to know: you will enjoy Fallas between the Valencians meanwhile you support the casal (Fallas association). The full amount of 90 Euros will go directly to the local association in order to make sure that this festival/celebration will keep existing.
For more information about these Fallas tours, please have a look at Fallas Experience 2012.
As soon as the Fallas program of 2012 is published, you will be able to find an overview of the program on this page. Due to that the main elements of the program will be the same, you could already have a look at the program of last year.
Fallas Program 2011
Sunday 27 Februari, 2011
At 07.00 hour the whole city will be woken up by firework starting in calle de la Paz till Plaza Ayuntamiento.
At 13.00 hour there will be some bands passing Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina and calle de San Vincente, and they will finish at Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Together they will play the ‘Pasodoble’ and “El Fallero”.
At 14.00 hour there will be a Mascleta at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
At the Torres Serranos the opening of the Fallas will take place at 20.00 hour. This is a spectacle with music and lights and an important moment for the Falleras and Falleros.
Monday 28 Februari, 2011
Gala “Infantil” in Hotel Beatriz Rey Don Jaime.
Tuesday 1 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Peñarroja”
Wednesday 2 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Aitana”.
Thursday 3 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Hermanos Hnos. Ferrandez”.
At 18.00 hour there will be an honoring of the Falleras Mayores by the local police (Avenida del Cid) at “Parque Central”. There will be firework of “Tomás”.
Friday 4 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Caballer FX”.
21.00 hour gala in the Devesa Gardens
Saturday 5 March, 2011
11.00 hour Party for children in the Parque de Bomberos at the Avenida de la Plata. Mascleta by “Marti”.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Maria Angustitias”.
At 18.00 hour ther will be an Italian Mascleta at the beach “Playa Malvarossa” between “Hotel Las Arenas” and the Red Cross. The designer of the Italian Mascleta is “Romualdo Parente”. Furthermore there will be a parade of the “Ninots” (typical sculpture or Falla) at 22.30 hour. The Parade will finish at Plaza Ayuntamiento and directly after finishing of the parade of the “Ninots” you can enjoy a colorful firework spectacle. Often there are plastic chairs available to see this parade. Keep in mind that you have to pay to sit at these chairs.
Sunday 6 March, 2011
At 11.00 hour there will be a competition at Plaza del Carmen and subsequently a little Mascleta.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour. At 17.30 hour you can see the parade of the children “Ninots”. This parade will also end at Plaza Ayuntamiento and subsequently there will be firework.
Monday 7 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Benlloch”.
Tuesday 8 March, 2011
11.00 hour in the Parque de Bomberos at the Avenida de la Plata clebration in honor of the protector. Mascleta by “Hnos Caballer”.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Marti”.
Wednesday 9 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Zarzoso”.
Thursday 10 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Borreda”.
Friday 11 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Tomas”.
Saturday 12 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Hnos Caballer”.
At 23.00 hour will start the Folklore parade and will finish at Plaza Ayuntamiento. Subsequently will follow firework (colours), desgined by “Benlloch”.
Sunday 13 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Pirofantasia”
Monday 14 March, 2011
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “El Portugues”
At 18.00 hour, the building of the “Ninots” of the children needs to be finished. This means that they are not allowed to build anymore and that their Falla needs to be finished.
Tuesday 15 March, 2011
At 08.00 hour is the opening of the Fallas of the children.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta “Valenciana” at 14.00 hour.
At 18.00 hour, the building of the “Ninots” of the adults needs to be finished. This means that they are not allowed to build anymore and that their Falla needs to be finished.
At 00.00 hour you can enjoy firework spectacle “Turis”.
Wednesday 16 March, 2011
At 08.00 hour there will be the opening of all Fallas.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Turis”.
The prices of the Fallas of the children will be handed out at 16.30 hour at the grandstand before the council-house “Plaza- Ayuntamiento”. Some categories are for example: presentation, parade etc.
At 01.00 hour you can enjoy firework (colourful) above the Turia Park at the “Paseo de Alameda” close to the subway station “Alameda”.
Video by Wondaal.com
Thursday 17 March, 2011
The prices for the Fallas (of the adults) will be handed out at 09.30 hour at the grandstand before the council house at “Plaza Ayuntamiento”.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour.
Several Fallas “associations” will offer the “Virgen de los Desamparados” flowers. The Fallas associations normally walk one by one from their “Falla” to offer flowers to the “Virgen de los Desamaparados” (holy virgin of the lonely and homeless people)
Calle San Vicente
16.00 hour: Quart de Poblet – Xirivella
17.30 hour: Jesús
18.30 hour: Creu Coberta
19.45 hour: El Pilar – Sant Francesc
20.45 hour: Patraix
22.00 hour: Botanic – La Petxina
23.00 hour: La Seu – El Mercat
23.30 hour: Falla F.M.I.V.
23.45 hour: Fallera Mayor Infantil de Valencia
Calle de la Paz
16.00 hour: Rascanya
17.30 hour: Camins al Grau
19.15 hour: Ruzafa “A”
19.45 hour: Ruzafa “B”
20.15 hour: Pla del Reial – Benimaclet
21.45 hour: Canyamelar – Grau – Nazaret
22.45 hour: La Xerea
23.00 hour: Casas Regionales e Invitados Oficiales (regional associations and officially invited people)
At 18.00 hour there will be a spectacle in the air in the Turia park nearby the Torres Serranos in honor of the Fallera Mayor.
At 01.00 hour you can enjoy firework (colours) above the “Paseo de Alameda”, close to subway station Alameda, by “Caballer”.
Friday 18 March, 2011
The honoring of the poet ‘Maximiliano Thous’ will take place close to his monument at 11.00 hour at the intersection of calle Sagunto with Maximiliano Thous. Subsequently there will be a Mascleta.
At 12.00 hour the honoring of “Maestro Serrano” will take place at his monument. You can find his monument in Avenida Reino de Valencia. Subsequently there will be a Mascleta.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour, “Caballer”.
Several Fallas “associations” will offer the “Virgen de los Desamparados” flowers. The Fallas associations normally walk one by one from their “Falla” to offer flowers to the “Virgen de los Desamaparados” (holy virgin of the lonely and homeless people)
Calle San Vicente
16.00 hour: Olivereta
17.45 hour: Zaida
19.15 hour: Carmen
20.15 hour: Benicalap
21.15 hour: Campanar
22.15 hour: La Roqueta – Arrancapins
23.45 hour: Mislata
01.00 hour: Falla F.M.V.
01.10 hour: Fallera Mayor de Valencia
Calle de la Paz
16.00 hour: Algiros
17.15 hour: Poblats al Sud
18.15 hour: Quatre Carreres
19.45 hour: Pla del Remei – Gran Via
20.45 hour: Benimamet – Burjasot – Beniferri
22.30 hour: Malvarossa – Cabanyal – Beteró
23.30 hour: Casas Regionales e Invitados Oficiales (regional associations and officially invited people)
At 18.00 hour there will be a spectacle in the air in the Turia park nearby the Torres Serranos in honor of the Fallera Mayor Infantil.
At 01.30 hour you can enjoy a firework (colours) spectacle above the “Paseo de Alameda”, close to subway station Alameda, by “Caballer”. This night the Valencian people call “Nit de Foc”. Normally it is very busy during this night and a large number of people want to see this firework spectacle. If you want to have a good spot to see the firework, we can recommend to be there on time.
Saturday 19 March, 2011
At 11.00 hour on the bridge (puente) ‘San José’ the ‘Fallera Mayor’ will offer flowers before the sculpture of the “Patriarca”. Subsequently there will be a Mascleta.
At 12.00 hour there will be a service in the Kathedral of Valencia.
At Plaza del Ayuntamiento there will be a Mascleta at 14.00 hour.
At 19.00 hour is the ‘Fire’ parade. This parade starts at Calle Ruzafa, passes through calle Colon and will finish at “Porta de la Mar”. This parade is very spectacular with a lot of fire acts and definitely worth seeing.
At 22.00 hour the burning of the “Fallas Infantiles” starts. These are the sculptures (of the children) that are shown on the streets.
At 22.30 the burning of the Falla Infantil, which won the first price will take place.
At 23.00 the burning of the Falla Infantil at Plaza Ayuntamiento will take place.
At 00.00 hour the burning of all the “Fallas” starts. These are the sculptures (of the adults) that are shown on the streets.
At 00.30 the burning of the Falla (of the adults), which won the first price will take place.
At 01.00 the burning of the Falla at Plaza Ayuntamiento will take place. Furthermore you can enjoy a firework spectacle.
Photos of Fallas 2011
Valencia for dummies
Would you like to have an amazing holiday in Valencia and you don’t want to miss anything? Than the “Valencia for Dummies” introduction course can be recommended. You will get many great recommendations and helpful information, you will learn a few Spanish words and that all meanwhile enjoying a drink. After 1 hour you are well prepared to find the most wonderful, best, tasty, beautiful and authentic places in Valencia. Due to that not all Spaniards do understand English, you will learn a few handy Spanish words.
What
If you would like to discover the most beautiful, interesting, famous, cool or authentic places of Valencia, than the introduction course can be recommended. In travel guides you can often find various recommendations, but unfortunately the information in these books isn’t always up to date and maybe you even didn’t have time yet to read these through.
In 1 hour you will get many surprising recommendations and helpful information about the culture, restaurants, sightseeing etc. You will even learn a few words Spanish to make sure that you will be able to communicate a little in a restaurant, a shop or at a sightseeing spot. You don’t have to remind all, because we will give you a handout with some nice recommendations and a few basic Spanish words.
What would you like to do, see, eat? Do you prefer authentic/trendy or do you choose for active/relaxing or a combination? We like to surprise you with helpful up to date do’s and dont’s, but as well we would like to listen to your preferences so that we will be able to give you even more personalized recommendations. Not only adults can book Valencia for Dummies, we also have many surprising recommendations for children. Of course you will get the possibility to ask questions.
Where
The location of the meeting point is central, but for this moment it is still a surprise. At the moment you book the introduction course “Valencia for Dummies”, we will send you the details about the location.
Why
- Do’s & Dont’s in Valencia;
- Personalized advice (also for families with children);
- Helpful recommendations;
- Up to date information;
Price & details
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 15 euro per person
Discount: possible for groups larger then 6 persons
Included:
- Surprising recommendations;
- Mini introduction of the Spanish language;
- A handout with an overview of nice and helpful information;
- A drink (coffee/soft drink/water/beer);
Others
- It can be recommended to book this introduction course in the beginning of your stay/holiday in Valencia.
How to book a Valencia for Dummies course?
- E-mail: info@toursvalencia.com
- Telephone: (0034) 644384403
- Contactform
Wine Tasting
Are you planning to visit Valencia and do you like wine? Then, a Spanish wine tasting in Valencia can be really recommended. A wine tasting is a lot of fun to do and besides, you will also learn something about Spanish wines.
What
Spain exists of a large variety of wines. In the different regions in Spain you can find a large number of grapes, among others: Verdejo, Airén, Palomino, Macabeo, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Parellada, Garnacha. During a wine tasting you will get to know more about Spanish wines from different regions. To neutralize your taste after every wine, there will be bread sticks available.
How
The wine tasting will be given in English. There will be tasting forms available, so if you would like to make some notes it is possible.
Where
The wine tasting will take place at a surprising and central situated location in Valencia.
Price
The price of the Spanish wine tasting depends on the number of participants, but varies between €15 and €22,50 per person.
Duration: 1 hour
Included:
• Tasting of 4 different Spanish wines;
• Bread sticks for the neutralization of your taste;
• Interesting information about Spanish wines.
Others
• A wine tasting can be reserved with a minimum of 4 persons.
How to book a wine tasting?
• E-mail: info@toursvalencia.com
• Telephone: (0034) 644384403
• Contactform.
Apartments for rent
Are you looking for a cheap and cosy or a modern and luxurious apartment in Valencia? Due to the overwhelming offer of apartments in Valencia, it can be hard to find an apartment on distance. Which apartment does really offer where you are looking for? That is the reason why Tours Valencia set up a list with various apartments that have a good price – quality balance.
50 Flats luxury Apartments – From € 43 per night
Are you looking for a luxury, central located apartment at 10 minutes walking distance of the town hall (Ayuntamiento)? Then an apartment of “50 Flats luxury apartments” can be recommended. Every apartment consists of high-tech facilities as free WIFI internet and a flat screen television. The apartments have a modern and minimalistic design. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see 50 Flats luxury Apartments.
11 flats – From € 39 per night
The apartments of 11 Flats are located in the centre of Valencia. The apartments are modern designed and are fully-equipped. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see 11 Flats.
40 Flats Apartments Ciudad de las Ciencias – From € 45 per night
The apartments of 40 Flats are located at a very short walking distance of the City of Arts and Sciences. Furthermore are these 40 modern apartments fully equipped and consist of a stylish decoration. Due to that these apartments have been constructed in 2006, all is still relatively new. 40 flats also offers a good quality for a reasonable price. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see 40 Flats.
Apartamentos Edificio Palomar – From € 80 per night
“Edificio Palomar” is located in the district “El Carmen”. It is a beautiful renovated building of the 19th century with very stylish decorated apartments. The apartments are very comfortable and consist of airconditioning, free WIFI, television and much more modern equipment. The district “El Carmen” is known for its large offer of restaurants and bars. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see Apartamentos Edificio Palomar.
Apartamentos Plaza Picasso – From € 50 per night
These apartments are located next to the Turia park, the place where used to be a river. The modern fully-equipped apartments are located on only 5 minutes distance of a metro and a bus station. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see Apartamentos Plaza Picasso.
Blue moon Apartments – From €50 per night
The Blue moon apartments are located in a historical building in the district “El Carmen”. These well-equipped apartments are very close to the Cathedral and the Plaza de la Virgen. Furthermore you can easily get fresh ingredients at the Mercado Central, which is also nearby. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see Blue moon Apartments.
Vlc Apartamentos – From € 70 per night
Vlc apartments are located in different areas of Valencia. There are for example apartments in the historical city centre, but also near the beach and close to the harbor. The apartments have a lot of natural light and consist of a modern decoration. For more information and/or the making of a reservation, see Vlc Apartamentos.
Atarazanas – From € 85 per night
Nearby the harbor and the beach of Valencia, you can find the apartments of Atarazanas. If you are planning to visit the Formula 1, then these well-equipped apartments are definitely a good choice, because these apartments are located nearby the harbor (the location where the Formula 1 takes place).
Apartments - Think outside the box when planning your travels – it doesn’t have to be a hostel!
Top 5 – Great restaurants
Are you planning to visit Valencia and you would like to know what the best and most impressive restaurants of Valencia are, according to Tours Valencia? Then you might want to have a look at the top 5 of most impressive restaurants in Valencia of Tours Valencia.
If you really love Spanish food, you can also visit the most unique and authentic tapas bars of Valencia with our tapas tour. During this tour we visit three different tapas bars and restaurants. In every tapas bar you can enjoy a tapa (selected by us) and a drink included in the price of 25 euros. Click on tapas tour for more information and reservations.
1) Restaurant Cervecería La Principal
Restaurante Cervecería La Principal offers great quality food. It doesn’t matter if you choose for the homemade croquets, steak tartar or gambas, all dishes are made of high quality products. Even the “Ensaladilla Rusa” (Russian salad), that you can order at many tapasbars is really delicious at this restaurant and worth ordering. If you order the fish in salt, they will get the fish out of the layer of salt next to your table. A good point about this restaurant is that you can have 1 tapa and a beer at the bar, but you can also have lunch or dinner at one of the tables in the restaurant.
Location
Restaurant Cervecería La Principal
Polo y Peyrolon, 5
46021 Valencia
Tel.: (0034) 963 606 348
2) Restaurant Arribar
At restaurante Arribar, you can not only eat delicious Paella Valenciana, you also have a wide choice of Mediterranean dishes. A great lunch, with a good price quality relation, on Sunday afternoon can be recommended. You will have a beautiful view over the beach on one side and at the other side over the harbor. If you are lucky, the charming owner of the restaurant (originally a singer) will sing some songs for you of among others Frank Sinatra. In the summer every sunday’s in the afternoon/night, they have a salsa party.
Location
Restaurant Arribar
Port America’s Cup
Tel.: (0034) 963 449 757
Website: Arribar
3) Restaurant Submarino
Eating delicious fresh fish, while you are sitting next to a giant aquarium, that’s possible at restaurant Submarino. It is a splendid experience to have lunch or dinner so close to such a huge aquarium.
Location
Restaurante Submarino
Calle Junta de Murs i Valls, s/n (no number)
46013 Valencia
Tel.: (0034) 961 975 565
4) El Alto de Colon
In el Alto de Colon you can choose between a large variety of innovative dishes, composed by (among others) chef cook Quique Barella Alvarez. Probably you will be surprised by the small eatable pieces of art, but also the ambiance is very stylish. El Alto de Colon is established in a beautiful building, namely the Mercado de Colon. Please don’t forget to have a look at the impressive ceiling.
Location
El Alto de Colon
Mercado de Colon (top floor)
Tel: (0034) 963 530 900
Website: http://www.grupoelalto.com/eng/
5) Palace Fesol
Typical Valencian food for dinner in a restaurant that already exists more than 100 years? That is possible at restaurante Palace Fesol. Dishes as Paella Valenciana, Fideua, Valencian tomatoes with tuna and olive oil, All i Pebre de Anguilas (eel in a spicy sauce) you can order for example at Palace Fesol.
Location
Palace Fesol
Calle Hernán Cortés, 7
46004 Valencia
Tel: (0034) 963 529 323
Website: http://www.palacefesol.com/index.asp