The weekend is fast approaching, and people up and down the country will be gearing up to use their precious time off for a spot of partying.
But if you’ve not got any wild parties lined up for this weekend, maybe you should head over to Spain for the Las Fallas festival.
This Spanish celebration is held in commemoration of St Joseph, and takes place in Valencia and the surrounding area every March.
Las Fallas may be steeped in history and tradition, but make no mistake – it is a five-day, non-stop party.
Running from 15 to 19 March, Las Fallas sees different communities in Valencia construct large models, or ninots, which are brought out for the grand parade on the final day of the festival.
These ninots take pride of place in the festival, and months are spent preparing them. They can be almost anything, but are always made according to a pre-set theme and are often a satirical jab at anything or anyone.
After months of preparing the beautiful structures, what do the people of Valencia do with them? They mount them on firecracker-filled monuments and set them on fire of course!
This blazing end is the spectacular finale to the festival, but you’ll see everyone from young children to old men throwing fireworks and firecrackers into the air throughout the festival.
Las Fallas is not for the faint hearted, but it is a friendly and joyous celebration that is unique to Valencia. So what are you waiting for?
(Images: isacarmarin, Joce123, Michel BUZE, imalel, orvalrochefort)
