Fallas RP

-The World of Valencia’s Fallas (Falles)

-Las Fallas (in Valencian Falles) is Valencia’s grand annual festival (March 15–19) and a centerpiece of Valencian culture. It is built on centuries-old traditions of bonfires, satire, and community, and involves elaborate monument-building, costumes, music, and ritual. A fallas commission (a neighborhood group called a comisión fallera) works year-round to create giant falla sculptures (with satirical figurines called ninots), organizes fundraisers, and stages events in its casal faller (clubhouse). During Fallas week, the city hums with activity: daily firecracker barrages (mascletàs), band processions (despertàs), floral offerings, and culminates in massive fireworks displays and the burning (cremà) of the fallas. The festival is overseen by the Junta Central Fallera (JCF), a federation of all commissions. The Fallas celebrate both spring and the patron saint of carpenters (Saint Joseph, whose feast is March 19) and have evolved into a UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition. The following is a comprehensive look at every aspect of the mundo fallero – its history, events, organizations, rituals, and people

-Historical Origins and Evolution

-Legendary Beginnings: Fallas likely evolved from ancient spring equinox bonfire rites. A popular origin story says medieval carpenters burned wood scraps and old lamp-holders on the eve of St. Joseph (March 18) to welcome spring (St. Joseph is the carpenters’ patron) -Other theories point to pre-Christian seasonal fires or European traditions of burning effigies as satire. Regardless, by the late 18th century there are written records of Fallas. A documented incident in 1777 references a falla on San Narciso Street, and by 1784 and into the 19th century Fallas regularly appear in Valencian archives and laws -The term falla itself comes from the Latin fax (“torch”) and evolved to mean both the bonfire and the sculptural monuments built for the fiesta -Fallas Commissions Form: By the mid-1800s, organized neighborhood groups (comisiones falleras) were creating temporary wooden monuments to burn. Each group would build a satirical structure and hold a mascletà display. Over time these raw timber constructions grew more elaborate, adding papier-mâché figures. In 1929, Pepita Samper (Miss Spain from Valencia) was celebrated with a new countryside-inspired costume, sparking the first Fallera Mayor pageant that year -The official title Fallera Mayor de Valencia was first used in 1933 , establishing the ritual of crowning a “queen” of Fallas each year. 20th Century Changes: The Fallas became increasingly politicized in the early 20th century. During the Spanish Republic (1931–36), many fallas carried anti-clerical or political satire. After the Civil War, Franco’s regime co-opted and censored the festival. The Junta Central Fallera (JCF) was founded in 1939 under Franco to control Fallas themes, effectively removing much of the free satire -Under Franco the costume style also became more ornate and official: for example, in 1954 the JCF mandated the modern black-and-white “suit” for male falleros, and enriched the fallera dress with brighter fabric -With the return of democracy in the late 1970s, Fallas regained some of its critical humor and creativity. Today larger Fallas tend to be less politically sharp than in the pre-war era, but smaller commissions often preserve more original grassroots spirit Modern Identity: Present-day Fallas blends old and new. A Valencian literary contest (Lo Rat Penat) annually recognizes Valencian poems (llibrets) written about the fallas’ themes . Fallas monuments now routinely lampoon national and international figures (e.g. Barack Obama, Lady Gaga) alongside local satire, reflecting a broad cultural commentary . Every March, the quiet city of Valencia swells as hundreds of thousands come to witness Fallas – a festival deeply woven into the regional identity

-Elements of the Fallas Festival

Fallas Monuments: Each comisión builds a falla: a sculptural tableau usually on a theme (often satirical or allegorical). A falla is composed of many figures (called ninots, Valencian for “dolls” or “puppets”) arranged on wood-and-cardboard or polystyrene frameworks. The ninots are vivid, caricatured figures depicting politicians, celebrities, fictional characters or local anecdotes. Traditionally painted and dressed, they are often topped with fireworks. A falla can be enormous – municipal fallas (in the central districts) can reach five stories high . Each falla is paired with a smaller falla infantil (“children’s falla”) with a kid-friendly theme and no overtly crude satire. All fallas are temporary: by definition, they will be burned (cremà) on March 19. Ninot Exhibition and Ninot Indultat: In mid-March, before the cremà, the ninots from every falla are displayed at the Exposició del Ninot. The public votes on its favorite ninot (both adult and child categories). The winning ninot is the ninot indultat (“pardoned ninot”) and is spared from the flames; it is preserved forever in the City of Arts & Sciences Fallas Museum. This “pardon” tradition began officially in 1934 . In modern times anyone (including tourists) can vote in this exhibition; the two winners (mayor and infantil) are then honored during Fallas, and afterwards join the museum collection Materials and Construction: The Fallas industry is centered in the Ciutat Fallera (Fallas City), a suburban district of Valencia where ateliers of sculptors and craftsmen operate year-round . There, professional artistas falleros (falla artists) design and build the monuments. These specialists (often second- or third-generation artisans) use wood, wax, cardboard and now polystyrene foam to create lightweight yet sturdy figures. In the early 20th century, expanded cardboard and wax were common, but by the 1970s polystyrene became standard for large exteriors . Each falla is built under the direction of a commission but largely executed by the artists’ crews. Often huge cranes are needed to place towering pieces on-site. Burning (La Cremà): The climax is La Cremà – the burning of the fallas on the night of March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day). By tradition, the children’s fallas burn first at 10:00pm, often followed by neighborhood fallas, with the central city falla (Plaça de l’Ajuntament) saved for last around midnight. Each falla is preloaded with fireworks (“carcasses”); these are ignited first, then the structure itself ignites. The resulting bonfires are spectacular (and extremely hot, driving back the crowd). As the wooden frameworks and papier-mâché roast, onlookers cheer and sing. Fallas burn very quickly and completely – the massive sculptures vanish in minutes, leaving only ashes and applause. The name “Fallas” itself comes from the Valencian for “torches”, underscoring that the festival is as much about this fiery finale as the making of art.

The Fallas Calendar: Key Events

The Fallas season officially runs from late February to March 19, with fixed dates for each ritual. Important events include:

La Crida (Opening Call): The final Sunday of February sees La Crida, a ceremonial kick-off in Valencia’s Old Town. At sunset the Mayor and the current Fallera Mayor stand on the historic Torres de Serranos gate. In a fireworks-and-lights spectacle, the Mayor hands them the keys of the city. They deliver addresses (in Valencian and Spanish) formally inviting everyone to the Fallas and sound the keynote trumpeting of the festival’s start . The anthems “Himne de l’Exposició” and the Spanish Royal March are played to close the ceremony La Despertà (The Wake-Up): Each morning from March 15–19 begins with La Despertà at 8:00am . Bands (often from each casal faller) march through the neighborhood in lively procession, waking residents. Fallers follow tossing firecrackers (“voladores”) on the street. The effect is a thunderous, festive “reveille” announcing the day’s events. La Mascletà: Every day at 2:00pm from March 1 through 19 (including Fallas week), the Mascletà is held – a pyrotechnic show emphasizing rhythmic bursts over visual display. The centerpiece is the Plaça de l’Ajuntament (City Hall Square) mascletà. As the clock strikes 2:00pm, the Valencian Fallera Mayor (dressed in full costume) calls out from the City Hall balcony: “Senyor/a pirotècnic/a, pot començar la mascletà!” (“Mr./Ms. Pyrotechnician, the mascletà may begin!”). Then the ground literally shakes with tens of seconds of synchronized explosions. Local and tourist crowds thrill to this ground-level cacophony. (Smaller neighborhood mascletàs also run on other days or evenings.) La Plantà (Erecting the Falla): By the evening of March 15, all the fallas must be fully installed on their street corners – known as La Plantà. Artists and volunteers work days and nights up to this deadline. At midnight a fireworks tribute (“A la Plantà”) is set off in each sector. (City Hall also hosts a special show “Amb de les Falles” once the final central falla is in place.) Plantà marks the moment the city’s landscape is fully transformed into a sculpture gallery Ofrenda de Flores (Flower Offering): On March 17 and 18, each commission participates in the Ofrenda a la Virgen de los Desamparados, a grand offering to Valencia’s patroness. All day, thousands of falleros and falleras (in full costume) process in pairs through the streets toward the cathedral plaza. They lay flowers at a wooden effigy of the Virgin Mary, covering her with a mantle of red and white carnations . This solemn, devotional act is both religious and communal. The Fallera Mayor and her Corte of Honor preside on the 17th (the first day), leading the floral tribute. In the end, tens of thousands of flowers form an enormous floral image of the Virgin in the plaza Els Castells / Nit del Foc (Fireworks Castles): Each night March 15–18 an escalating fireworks show is launched from the old Turia riverbed. Locals build enormous “castells” (firework towers), one each night, growing more elaborate. The festival climax of pyrotechnics is La Nit del Foc on March 18 – the “Night of Fire” – with a final, breathtaking barrage that lights the skies and earth. These displays are a point of neighborhood pride and entertainment Cavalcada del Foc (Fire Parade): On the evening of March 19 at 7:00pm, Valencia stages the Cavalcada del Foc (Fire Parade). This is a cultural procession celebrating fire itself from around the world. Along C/Colón and Plaça Porta de la Mar, huge moving floats, mechanized contraptions, costumed groups, and mobile fireworks displays wind through the city to roaring crowds. It is a carnival-like, noisy spectacle symbolizing the spirit of Fallas just before the final cremà. La Cremà (The Burning): Finally, on the night of March 19 Fallas culminates. Starting at 10:00pm, each children’s falla in the city is set ablaze. As midnight approaches, the larger fallas in the neighborhoods ignite. The last and tallest fallas (often in city center) burn closest to midnight, with many drenching them in water first for safety. Firefighters manage the burn, and the crowds watch in a mix of reverence and celebration. By early morning of March 20, only piles of ash remain where each artistic monument once stood. Throughout the festival, there are also parades (dress, historical, and jesters), paella competitions, concerts, and bullfights. In short, Fallas week in Valencia is a packed fiesta of traditional and modern events, each on a fixed annual schedule

Neighborhood Casals and Commissions

Valencia’s Fallas are fundamentally community-driven. The city has hundreds of comisiones falleras (neighborhood clubs) – roughly on the order of 400–750 commissions today (estimates vary) . Each one represents a street or barrio. Its members (sometimes hundreds of families) are registered as “falleros/falleras” of that commission. The commission elects leaders (a male President, secretary, treasurer, etc.) and a Fallera Mayor del Casal (local queen) with her court each year. Year-Round Activity: Commissions meet year-round at their casal faller (clubhouse). There they raise funds (through dances, dinners, auctions) and plan the falla’s theme and construction. Traditional community dinners often feature paella, the Valencian rice dish . Senior members (long-time falleros) mentor younger ones, and children are involved through youth groups. In the weeks before Fallas, the casal is a hive of activity: volunteers paint ninots, assemble floats, and rehearse ceremonies. Casal Culture: The atmosphere in a casal is family-like. It is common for Fallas participation to run in families: many children are born falleras, learning the customs at home. As National Geographic notes, “being a fallera is a commitment; most women begin their careers as early as birth – often born into fallera families that span generations” . In a casal you will see all ages mingling: elders playing instruments (dolçaina and tabalet) or cooking paella, teenagers sewing costume trim, and kids practicing dance steps. Newcomers are usually welcomed at the casal – they may be given tasks like helping paint a ninot or setting up a band stand, learning etiquette from veterans. Despertà from the Casal: Each morning during Fallas, despertàs begin at 8:00am with brass bands marching out from the casals of each neighborhood . A faller’s social obligation is to appear at the Despertà of their own casal, often in uniform, blowing horns and lighting firecrackers along the route. This tradition underlines the casal’s role as a daily gathering point. Members and Structure: A typical commission has dozens to a few hundred members. The Fallera Mayor (and Infantil) of the casal lead their group in processions and wear distinctive regalia. The President (a fallero, usually older) handles finances and festival permissions. Others hold posts like marshal, secretary or committee chairs. Many commissions also have a band and dance troupe. In essence, each casal functions like a mini-community center, blending cultural (music, dance, poetry) and social activities.

Artisans and the Ciutat Fallera

Valencia’s monuments are built by skilled professionals called artistas falleros. These sculptors, carpenters, painters and engineers work out of workshops in the Ciutat Fallera district (roughly in the Pobles de l’Oest area). Each falla’s design is usually the product of one head artist (often continuing a family workshop). For example, as one travel blog notes: “specialist creators grew and the profession of artist fallero emerged in the city. These artists have their own workshops and continue to develop and evolve their own style” . Teams labor for many months, starting with small-scale sketches and models (the bocetos) and scaling up to the full-size monuments. The materials used have modernized: 1930s fallas were wood, cardboard and wax; by the 1970s expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) became common for lightweight tall structures . Today a major falla can cost over €100,000 to build . (In fact, the record was around €1 million for the giant Nou Campanar falla of 2009 .After construction, cranes transport giant pieces to the street. Once erected, final touches of paint and decoration are added on-site during La Plantà. After La Cremà, the only remaining pieces from each falla are those spared (ninot indultat) or sometimes wooden carvings (madonnas, images of Saint Joseph). However, before burning, ninots of each commission go to the exhibition. As a result, the Fallas tradition supports a significant local industry and an artisan guild (Gremio de Artistas Falleros) for these craftspeople

Junta Central Fallera (JCF) and Organization

The Junta Central Fallera (JCF) is the official Fallas governing body, linked to the City of Valencia. It began under Franco in 1939 as an overseer of the festival and today functions more democratically. The JCF sets rules each year, defines competition sections, and organizes citywide events (like the Exposición del Ninot and the awarding of Ninot d’Or prizes). It is composed of representatives from all commissions and is headed by the Valencia City Councilor of Fiestas (currently titled President of JCF). As historian Tomás Miralles notes, JCF “aspires to democratic representation, incorporating members from fallas commissions and institutions to adjudicate on key festival matters” The JCF’s directiva (executive committee) handles logistics and budgets. For example, each spring the JCF’s Assembly of Presidents sets dates for the FM selection, approves subsidy amounts for fallas, and fixes required spending thresholds. (In 2025, for instance, subsidies were set at €2,000 for fallas infantiles and €3,000 for adult fallas .Each year the JCF publishes a “Reglamento de Falleras Mayores” with candidacy rules (see below), and organizes the Fallera Mayor selection process. It also oversees public protocol: at official acts the JCF ensures the Fallera Mayor and her Corte follow the strict dress and behavior codes. The actual president of the JCF is Santiago Ballester (also Valencia's City Councilor of Fiestas), and the assembly is formed by Nicolás Garcés, Beatriz Ramos, María Tomás, Alberto de Marco, Gabriel Aranaz, María Fernández and José Luis Vaello all of them members of different casals around Valencia

The Fallera and Her Role

A Fallera (plural falleras) is a woman or girl belonging to a falla commission who participates in the Fallas festivals. She is traditionally an active cultural figure in her neighborhood. Falleras wear the regional “huertana” costume, dance dansa to the Virgin, and appear in all Fallas ceremonies. In essence, the fallera embodies the Valencian ideal of feminine grace and tradition. Each commission elects a Fallera Mayor del Casal (and a Fallera Mayor Infantil) each year, usually via a local pageant or selection event. These become the commission’s official representatives for that Fallas season. The Fallera Mayor receives a sash and wears a special gown and jewelry to identify her role. She presides over her commission’s activities, leads her group in parades, and attends events like the Despertà or Mascletà on behalf of her neighbors. Often past Fallera Mayors of the commission support and guide the new one. On the city level, all the commissions’ Fallera Mayors become candidates for Fallera Mayor de Valencia (and Infantil). The winning Fallera Mayor de Valencia is the highest honor. She serves as the festival’s “queen” and cultural ambassador for Valencia. In her official capacity, she: Represents her neighborhood: She has already been the local Fallera Mayor of her casal and is deeply involved in its affairs. Leads processions: She is featured prominently at parades, dances, and religious events (for example, leading the Ofrenda on March 17–18) Wears the official costume and insignia: A Fallera Mayor wears two complete sets of traditional dresses (18th- and 19th-century style gowns with full petticoats), along with family heirloom jewelry (comb, brooch/“cholla”, earrings, etc.) . She must also wear the official city “joya” or pendant that identifies her as a Fallera Mayor of Valencia Attends official events: From the opening Crida to the final Cremà, she (and her Corte de Honor) are present at the most prestigious Fallas events. For example, the Fallera Mayor of Valencia traditionally delivers the time-signal line at the City Hall Mascletà, and attends ceremonies like the Cantar de L’Alba or the Nit de la Alborada. Engages in inter-city visits: She travels as Valencia’s representative to sister festivals. Valencia has “fiestas hermanadas” with other Spanish festivals: for instance, Alicante’s Fogueres de Sant Joan (Bellea del Foc), Castellón’s Magdalena, Murcia’s Spring Festival (Reina de la Huerta), and Burgos’s San Pedro y San Pablo (Reina Mayor) . Each year the Fallera Mayor of Valencia typically visits these cities, and their festival queens visit Valencia. A Fallera Mayor must embody etiquette and decorum. Official protocol dictates that the Fallera Mayor (and her Corte) only wear authorized costumes and accessories. Any tailoring or alteration of the official dress may only be done by the approved indumentaria workshops and must be reported to the JCF . They are forbidden to wear any non-official outfit or jewelry at Fallas events . At formal events they always wear the “joya” badge of their office . Even when attending private (non-official) functions during the year, Fallera Mayors must adhere to modest attire: no excessive cleavage or transparency, skirts at least knee-length, sober colors, small handbags, and high heels . The JCF appoints chaperones to accompany each Fallera Mayor and Cortes member from her home to every event, ensuring she arrives punctually and safely . In short, the Fallera Mayor is expected to be a model ambassador, graceful in dress and conduct.

Fallera Mayor Infantil

Every commission also crowns a Fallera Mayor Infantil (a girl under 14). The Infantil has a role analogous to the adult Fallera Mayor, leading children in the “infantil” activities and wearing a special child-size costume. The selection process (see below) is parallel. In events like the Ofrenda or parades, the Fallera Mayor Infantil also appears in the Corte of the adult Fallera Mayor. In essence, the Infantil is the junior queen, and shares many duties (though all duties are age-appropriate). Selection of the Fallera Mayor de Valencia Each year the title of Fallera Mayor (and Infantil) de Valencia is awarded through a formal, multi-stage selection process organized by the JCF. Broadly, the steps are: Comisión Nomination: Every registered fallas commission may nominate one adult and one child candidate from among its falleras. Candidates must meet JCF requirements: for the adult contest she must be at least 15 years old by the deadline, and for Infantil under 14. Crucially, each candidate must have been registered (censada) in her commission for at least two years prior to applying . (Commissions verify these requirements with JCF.) No one under disciplinary sanctions may run. A nominee who wins understands that if elected she will have to fulfill all attendance and behavior obligations for the entire term Sector Preselecciones: Valencia’s commissions are divided into 26 geographic sectores. In late July or August, each sector holds a preselection show (traditionally at “La Fonteta” arena or another venue). Candidates appear on stage in full fallera attire. In sectors with up to 12 commissions, 2 candidates (per category) are chosen; in larger sectors (13+ commissions), 3 candidates go through. Local juries (often with JCF oversight) evaluate presentation skills: stage presence, posture, poise and manners are as important as appearance . This winnows the field: from hundreds of initial nominees about 70–75 in each (adult/infantil) category advance. JCF Jury Selection (Elección de Cortes): In early September, the JCF organizes the second phase. A jury of seven members (for each category) chosen by JCF evaluates all preselected candidates over several days . They observe the candidates at events and private interviews. Ultimately the jury selects thirteen finalists in each category. These 13 adult finalists are the hopefuls for Fallera Mayor, and likewise 13 for Infantil. The other finalists become members of the Corte de Honor (honor court). Final Selection & Telefonada: In mid-October, the 13 finalists enter the final decision phase. At an appointed time, each candidate awaits a phone call from the Mayor of Valencia (accompanied by the JCF president). This is La Telefonada: the Mayor calls the lucky Fallera Mayor and Fallera Mayor Infantil to inform them of their victory . Only one girl in each category receives this call; the other twelve finalists are then announced as the new Corte de Honor of their respective queen. Thus the Corte de Honor consists of 12 adult falleras and 12 infant falleras who will accompany and assist the Fallera Mayor (adult and child) in all official duties. Proclamation: The day after the Telefonada, a public ceremony called the Proclamation is held (traditionally in the Valencia City Hall Hemicycle). The new Falleras Mayores de Valencia are formally presented to the city. They receive the Fallera Mayor sash and a medal from the Mayor, and give speeches. Outgoing Falleras Mayores and representatives of sister fiestas often attend. (In 2024, for example, Fallas representatives from Castellón and Alicante were present at the Proclamation of Berta Peiró and Lucía García). Exaltation: Finally, at the end of January the Fallas de Valencia Festival officially begins with an Exaltación gala at the Palau de la Música. On day one of this gala, the new Fallera Mayor de Valencia and her Corte are ceremonially crowned; on day two, the Infantil queen and her Corte are honored . These formal ceremonies, complete with traditional music and speeches, kick off the year of duties for the queens. From then until the following March, the Fallera Mayor and her Corte attend dozens of official events (cultural galas, parades, religious ceremonies, etc.), always embodying the spirit and traditions of Valencia. Candidacy and selection are highly competitive honors. For example, the 2025 Fallera Mayor de Valencia, Berta Peiró García (age 23), had been a fallera since birth and a previous Fallera Mayor of her own casal . Her Infantil counterpart, Lucía García Rivera (age 11), joined her first fallas at age two . Both were slated to receive the special “Bunyol d’Or” award for long service (they already had the “Bunyol d’Argent” as long-time falleras) . These awards (a Valencian pumpkin fritter in gold or silver) recognize significant contributions to the festival.

Traditional Attire (Indumentaria)

The Fallas are inseparable from the regional costume. Fallera outfits are sumptuous historical gowns rooted in 18th-19th century Valencian rural dress. A complete outfit has two main parts: a voluminous skirt (falda) and a matching bodice (corpiño), both heavily embroidered and often made of fine silk or satin . Underskirts (worn under the falda) add fullness. Women’s hair is styled in three distinctive buns – two beside the ears and one at the back – secured with ornate gold combs (the peinetas). A set of fine gold or coral jewelry (brooch, earrings, necklace, bracelet) is worn together, often passed down as family heirlooms .These dresses are “elaborate hand-sewn gowns” and combs are “more than a hundred years old” relics of heritage . Men in Fallas often wear traditional saragüell (loose baggy trousers with a short jacket, originally of Moorish origin) or torrentí attire (baroque rural costume) as a counterpart. In the 20th century both fellera and fallero attire were codified by authorities: in the 1950s the JCF mandated more elaborate huertana costumes and the black jacket for men . Today various styles coexist: some commission members prefer the simpler historic peasant style of 1920s dress, while others use the ornate fabrics introduced mid-century Because these outfits and trousseaux are expensive and treasured, protocol is strict. A Fallera Mayor is provided two complete official dresses by the JCF: one for the “siglo XIX” (short puffed sleeves) style, and one for the “siglo XVIII” (18th-century) style . She is told which dress to wear to each event (e.g. she might wear the XVIII gown for the Exaltación and XIX for the Ofrenda) . Only certified indumentaristas (dressmakers) may alter an official gown, and any repair or replacement of JCF-provided pieces is at the wearer’s expense . For example, if a Fallera Mayor gains shoe size, she buys new shoes; if she stains her jewelry, she must replace it herself . All Fallera Mayors and their Cortes must wear the JCF’s insignia (“joya”) at official acts , and may never mix in unauthorized accessories or civilian wear at formal events . If a queen arrives at an official ceremony in indecorous dress, JCF protocol allows her companion to make her change clothes or even send her home On casual outings during the year, Fallera Mayors still follow etiquette: no shorts, bare shoulders, or flamboyant colors. Advice from JCF protocol includes avoiding transparent fabrics, excessive necklines, or very short skirts . Evening parties or “by invitation” events have similar rules – for instance, jeans are only allowed if previously approved. In practice, the Fallera Mayor and her Corte give an impression of grace and consistency: they always appear well-dressed, poised, and accompanied by their JCF escorts . JCF-appointed chaperones accompany each Fallera Mayor (adult and child) from home to every event, attending her needs (but not acting as mere servants) and ensuring her safety

Awards, Sections, and Honors

Fallas are competitive, with prizes (galardones) awarded to the best fallas in each category. The Sección Especial is the top class, originally formed in 1942 for the grandest monuments. It consists of about a dozen commissions (the exact members rotate over time) whose fallas have the highest budgets. Winning 1st prize in Sección Especial is considered the most prestigious award in Fallas . (For example, longtime powerhouse commissions like Convento Jerusalén–Matemático Marzal and Plaza del Pilar often win or place in Special Section.) Below Sección Especial are lesser sections (1ªA, 1ªB, etc.), each grouping fallas by scale and investment. In 2015 there were 18 different sections determined by how much money a falla spent Individual prizes include artistic merits like Ingenio y Gracia (for humor), Originalidad (originality), Color, and others for ninots and falla themes. The Ninot Indultat is a special prize determined by popular vote (as mentioned above) – the pardoned ninot is usually awarded a trophy. At the official Gala de los Artistas Falleros, winners of the major awards (Falla Mayor, Ninot, Regional, etc.) are honored with trophies (often called “Ninot d’Or” for the best ninots). For instance, in 2025 the Gala conferred a Ninot d’Or on that year’s Fallera Mayors and officials as recognition of their dedication In addition to Fallas-specific awards, there are long-service honors. Valencia tradition awards the Bunyol d’Argent (Silver Fritter) to outstanding falleras and Bunyol d’Or (Gold Fritter) to those with decades of involvement. The Fallera Mayor and Infantil of Valencia, for example, often receive the Bunyol d’Or at the end of their term. In 2024, new Falleras Mayores Berta and Lucía (above) were veteran falleras who had earned the Silver Bunyol, and were set to be honored with the Gold Bunyol for their long service. Fallas week also connects to broader Valencian culture. Poets and musicians play a role: from 1903 a Lo Rat Penat contest awards the best Valencian satirical poem (versaleta) about the fallas theme . Traditional dances and music (la dansa and the dolçaina/tabalet) feature in many events. Foods like paella, fideuà and bunyols fill the streets. In short, Fallas is a fusion of civic pride, artistic craftsmanship, and Valencian folklore.

Notable Fallera Mayors of Valencia

Each year’s Fallera Mayor de Valencia joins a long list of illustrious women. The JCF’s historical record shows the first FMV title was used in 1933. . Recent Fallera Mayors include María Estela Arlandis Ferrando (2024), Laura Mengó Hernández (2023), Carmen Martín Carbonell (2022) and others. . (One of the earliest Fallera Mayors under the modern system was Lolita Homar, in 1933.) Likewise, famous Fallera Mayor Infantil names are recorded from 1948 onward – for example, Marina García Arribas (2024) and Paula Nieto Medina (2023) are recent Infantil queens. . Historical FMVs often come from families long involved in Fallas; for instance, Pepita Samper (Miss Spain 1929) helped inspire the festival’s pageantry. Today a Fallera Mayor is a minor local celebrity, featured in the press and on Valencia’s streets whenever she reigns.

Fallera dresses

S.XVIII Dress

Dressed as a fallera, my dress, made of silk, dazzles with its sky-blue hue, evoking the clarity and purity of the firmament. Its rich floral motifs, intertwined in gold and silver thread, capture the light with a subtle and elegant shine, highlighting the craftsmanship and beauty of the fabric.

The skirt, wide and structured, envelops my silhouette with majesty, its flight enhanced by the multiple cotton and lace petticoats that give it volume. Each fold and fall of the fabric reflects the richness of the fabric, allowing the vibrant colors of the embroidered flowers to stand out harmoniously against the delicate blue of the background.

The perfectly fitted bodice embraces my figure, enhancing the femininity of the ensemble. Its square neckline delicately frames my neck and shoulders, while the hand-embroidered silk scarf, with exquisite gold threads forming floral motifs, gently extends over my shoulders. The matching apron, an essential piece, adorns the front of my skirt with the same exquisiteness and detail, adding a touch of distinction to the outfit.

The French sleeves, finished in lace and with light ruffles, add a regal and sophisticated air, decorated with fine trimmings that harmonize with the rest of the outfit.

One of the most special aspects of my transformation into a fallera is the traditional hairstyle. My hair, carefully worked, is gathered into three perfectly drawn buns: a large one at the back and two smaller ones on the sides, just above my ears. Each bun is made up of intertwined braids, creating a symmetrical and harmonious pattern that adds distinction to my face. The embossed metal gold combs, authentic pieces of goldsmithing with filigree and floral motifs, capture the light with every movement, giving me an aura of royalty.

The accessories complete my look: long pearl earrings in the shape of vines, a central brooch and a baroque necklace with a delicately forged pendant, which pays homage to tradition and lineage. On my chest, fastened with a fine brooch, I wear a sky-blue silk ribbon, in perfect harmony with the dress, adding a refined and traditional touch.

Finally, my shoes, lined in the same sky-blue silk, stylize my walk with their medium heel and elegant golden buckles, finishing off with distinction this outfit that reflects the splendor of the Fallas clothing.

S.XIX Dress

Dressed as a fallera, my dress, made of silk, dazzles with its intense sea blue tone, evoking passion and tradition, with rich floral motifs intertwined in gold and silver thread that reflect the light with a subtle and elegant shine. The skirt, wide and structured, envelops my silhouette with majesty, its flight enhanced by the multiple cotton and lace petticoats that give it volume.

The perfectly fitted bodice embraces my figure, enhancing the femininity of the outfit. Its curved ivory color neckline delicately frames of my neck, while the hand-embroidered silk adds an exclusive and refined touch.

The puffed sleeves, with their perfectly balanced volume, give a regal and sophisticated air, decorated with fine trimmings and lace that harmonize with the rest of the outfit. Over my shoulders, the hand-embroidered silk kerchief in cream color, with exquisite golden threads forming floral motifs, spreads softly pinned neatly with a ornate jewelry brooch, combining perfectly with the matching apron, an essential piece that adorns the front of my skirt with the same exquisiteness and detail both.

One of the most beautiful parts of my transformation into a fallera is the hairstyle. My hair, carefully combed, is gathered into three perfectly drawn buns: a large one at the back and two smaller ones on the sides, just above my ears. Each bun is made up of intertwined braids, creating a symmetrical and harmonious pattern that adds distinction to my face.

The sides of the hairstyle frame my features softly, highlighting my eyes and cheekbones with elegance. Each bun is held in place with golden hairpins, which in addition to fixing it precisely, add a golden shine that blends with the color of my hair. Above them, the imposing embossed metal combs stand out, authentic pieces of goldsmithing with delicate filigree and floral motifs that reflect the light and give an aura of royalty to my presence.

The accessories complete my image, the fallera ornament, composed of long pearl earrings in the shape of vines and emerald ​​stones, a central brooch and a necklace with a baroque pendant that has been discreetly forged with the coat of arms of my surname. On my upper waist, I wear a silk ribbon in tune with the dress, which adds a refined and traditional touch separating the upper part with the skirt, and in the back of my neckline another smaller silk lace.

My shoes, lined in the same polished sea blue silk, stylize my walk with their medium heel and elegant golden buckles.