Las Fallas - tips and suggestions

[El Tifón]

¡Hola amigos!

I will be going to Valencia to see Las Fallas in less than 3 weeks' time. Flights and accommodation have already been sorted as I'm going with a group of friends who have booked an apartment in the city. Due to work commitments I'll only be there for 2 1/2 days, from the 17th till the night of the 19th. So that means I'll get to see La Nit del Foc but not La Cremà. :( I've been warned by my previous Spanish teacher about the general craziness of the fiesta but I like to think I'm more than prepared for it!

To the Valencianos out there, what are the best vantage points to see La Nit del Foc and La Mascletà? And what other things must I do apart from seeing the big events? I've already been to most of the sights within the historic centre (as well as the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) so this trip is less about sightseeing and more about soaking up the festival atmosphere. Thanks in advance for the recommendations!

[MCP]

Given that there's nothing much to actually "see" during La Mascletà, then it doesn't really matter where you watch it from, as the main reason for being there is to experience the noise and the general trembling of the buildings in la Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

If you are travelling back by plane on the night of the 19th then make sure you have transport (the metro goes directly to the airport, but a couple of years ago there were strikes...no plans for this again, but best to make sure!)

As for what to do, walk about the city looking at the many fallas (monuments) themselves, not only the big ones but the many smaller ones (easier to see, smaller crowds), have a few wines and something to eat...and when it gets too much, chill out with a walk in the old river bed or in the Viveros park, or even go for a stroll out on the beach (too cold for bathing, at least for locals!) but again a welcome respite from all the crowds in the centre.

[Pippa]

In fact, during la Mascletà (http://www.fallas.es/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115&Itemid=19), I think it is better not to be cought in the middle of the square as the noise can be quite unbearable, but on the sides of the square, so you can go in and out if you want to.

In addition to wines, try fresh orange juice, best in the world.

[ValenciaSon]

Try to get in on the paella contests that also take place in the streets that week.

[Sagitario]

In addition to wines, try fresh orange juice, best in the world

Also, don’t forget the numerous Horchata de Chufa outlets (horchaterias) dotted around the city. While these days, the many variants of the sweet, milky looking drink that passes for Horchata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horchata) are commonplace around the Hispanic world. It was the 8th to 13th century Muslim occupation of the Valencia region that saw the birth of Horchata in its original Chufa (Tiger Nut) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperus_esculentus) form as a means of a thirst quenching drink.

La auténtica Horchata de Chufa de Valencia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEbbgywfMvU)

A look inside the Horchateria de Santa Catalina, Valencia (http://valencia.arounder.com/en/city-tour/horchateria-chocolateria-de-santa-catalina.html)

[greytop]

For those that can't get there try this (http://www.lasprovincias.es/20100301/comunitatvalenciana/valencia/senor-pirotecnic-comencar-mascletaes-201003011523.html) - 140kg of explosives spread over 5 minutes!

[El Tifón]

Wow, thanks for all the tips everyone! I'll be going exactly two weeks today, you can all expect a travel report at some point when I come back. ;)

In addition to wines, try fresh orange juice, best in the world.I was in Valencia for a few days last summer and I can't believe I missed out on its oranges... with any luck that won't be happening this time around!

[ValenciaSon]

Also, don’t forget the numerous Horchata de Chufa outlets (horchaterias) dotted around the city. While these days, the many variants of the sweet, milky looking drink that passes for Horchata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horchata) are commonplace around the Hispanic world. It was the 8th to 13th century Muslim occupation of the Valencia region that saw the birth of Horchata in its original Chufa (Tiger Nut) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperus_esculentus) form as a means of a thirst quenching drink.

La auténtica Horchata de Chufa de Valencia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEbbgywfMvU)

A look inside the Horchateria de Santa Catalina, Valencia (http://valencia.arounder.com/en/city-tour/horchateria-chocolateria-de-santa-catalina.html)
Santa Catalina also makes the best churros con chocolate in Valencia.

[jkslouth]

Santa Catalina also makes the best churros con chocolate in Valencia.

Totally agree. Best place to rest after a hot days sightseeing, or on the way back from School!!

[jckangus]

I think you should visit this site you will get all required information about Las Fallas "coloursofspain.com/travelguidedetail/24/valencia/fiestas_las_fallas/". Horchata is a refreshing sweet latin American traditional drink. And well known here in the united states now. It is a taste treat you serve on special occasions not an everyday drink.

[ValenciaSon]

Check out this place (http://www.esp.cityvox.es/restaurants_valencia/el-ventorro_44425/ProfilLieu) for good eats.

[ValenciaSon]

I think you should visit this site you will get all required information about Las Fallas "coloursofspain.com/travelguidedetail/24/valencia/fiestas_las_fallas/". Horchata is a refreshing sweet latin American traditional drink. And well known here in the united states now. It is a taste treat you serve on special occasions not an everyday drink.Horchata is not a latin american drink. It actually originates in Spain.

[Canarybird]

When I lived in Mallorca in the 1960s - 1970s it was common to see cold horchata drink stands on street corners in summer. Horchata is made from tiger nuts, which were also sold in brown paper cones at the bus station in Palma.
It was a treat to chew on a few tiger nuts while waiting for a bus, as it was to take a drink of cold horchata.

The horchata de chufa, made from tiger nuts was introduced in Valencia by the Moors when they resided in Spain.

Apparently there are other versions of the drink made in USA and Latin America, also called horchata, which are not made from tiger nuts.

Canarybird

[Steve W]

I spent the whole 7 days In Valencia one year over Las Fallas, and the non-stop firecrackers going off nearly drove me insane, plus actually deafened me for a while when some kids threw some a bit too close to me. Marching bands led by a firecracker lighter start parading at about 8am every day, soif you want to get a lie in and also protect your hearing while out and about, take some good ear plugs (called "tapones" if you want to buy them there).

[mightykaboosh]

“Macletà” valencian word without tranlation in Spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKlyfF_wn2M

“castillo de fuegos artificiales” pyrotechnic display
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM0ocUit7lQ


Petardos (firecrakers). En esta noticia de un periódico español sale un video donde se ven con claridad. Espero que podáis verlo. Saludos. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM0ocUit7lQ)

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/02/24/videos/1203857438.html