COME TO THE FALLAS IN VALENCIA

On 1 March, the first call was ringed out for Las Fallas 2011. Every day from 1 to 19 March, the Mascletaes, rhythmical explosions of gunpowder, will fill the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with tourists and locals alike, who all flock to enjoy the noisy spectacle. The big week begins on the 15th with the traditional Plantà, when more than 700 monuments are erected throughout the city's streets, and fireworks displays are set off next to the Turia’s dry riverbed. However, the most eagerly anticipated days are, without a doubt, the 17th and 18th; two days during which thousands of Valencians dress up in their finest regional costumes made from natural silk, to leave bunches of flowers at the Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados (Offering of Flowers to Our Lady of the Forsaken), the most moving part of the celebrations, when white, pink and red carnations form the cloak of the city's patron saint. The festivities culminate on the 19th, when, at the stroke of midnight, all of the monuments are consumed by flames in welcome of spring.

For further details: FALLAS PROGRAM 2011

Fuente: www.turisvalencia.es