Las Fallas is an annual event that takes place every March with a riotous week of city fires, explosions and parades in honour of Saint Joseph, attracting around two million people.

The city is adorned with a myriad of ninots, vast papier maché figures - politicians, film stars, bullfighters and anyone of local, national or international notoriety can find themselves colourfully caricatured as a 15- or sometimes 20-foot model.

One of the highlights of Las Fallas week is the burning of these monumental effigies. Although local neighbourhoods labour for months to create the statues, within seconds they are stuffed with fireworks and left to burn into the night. Three hundred firemen stand by at different points along Las Fallas' route as these ephemeral figures are reduced to burning wrecks - a cruel but fascinating form of satire.

Burning effigies are not the only speciality during Las Fallas. Another highlight is the daily mascleta, which takes place in the Plaza Ayuntamiento at 2pm, a mass of fireworks explosions, rockets and firecrackers. Each day sees different neighbourhood groups competing for the most impressive display, with the prize going to the loudest.

This event is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Source: whatsonwhen.com

Suggestion of ARTEH® Hotels in Valencia, Spain

Hospes Palau de la Mar