English with Rachel

 Hi,

The topic for the next class will be ``Las Fallas¨´

I would like you to write a 150 word essay on the festival, what you like/dislike about it, and what changes you have seen within it over the years.

Here is some vocabulary to help you:



The exercise...

To visit the Fallas in Valencia, yes or no?

Las Fallas in Valencia is probably the most popular festival in the Valencian Community. This famous festivity takes place from the 14th to the 19th of March, coinciding with the beginning of spring. They are held "in honour" of Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters.

The Fallas festivities began in the 18th century; the carpenters used to burn their old wood waste on Saint Joseph's day. For the same reason, the famous "cremà", the burning of the Fallas monuments, is celebrated on the same day.

From then until today, the Fallas has been gaining in popularity and intensity, creating a festival known all over the world. But this situation, together with the growing 'notoriety' of Valencia as a must-visit place, has led to a " touristification", which is clearly in detriment to the origins of this popular, original and colourful festival. 

Nowadays it is almost impossible to come and stay in Valencia during the Fallas, due to the large number of tourists who want to enjoy the fireworks, the parades, the Fallas monuments, the street lights, enjoy the traditional costumes, the gastronomy, the weather and the almost-crazy party atmosphere during these notorius spring days. There really is art in the air...

In my opinion, and because I've spent a lot of Fallas in Valencia, I would say that I prefer not to be in Valencia during the Fallas. And why? Because of the crowded streets, the traffic chaos and the 'infernal' noise during these celebrations. But if you haven't seen Valencia during the Fallas festivities, I recommend a visit, at least once in your lifetime. It's really worthwhile!


 More information about 'Las Fallas'

The origin of Las fallas de Valencia
The Fallas festival traces its roots back to the old customs of local carpenters. They would burn their discarded materials and the wooden devices used to lift the candles that illuminated their workshops during winter. 

This ritual was performed on the day dedicated to their patron saint, Saint Joseph, which is why the day of the cremà (burning of the Fallas) always falls on the 19th, Saint Joseph’s day. In the 18th century, the Fallas were merely bonfires of flammable materials lit on the eve of Saint Joseph’s feast. Over time, these Fallas evolved, taking on a satirical and ironic tone, portraying scenes of socially unacceptable behaviour. 

By 1870, popular celebrations like Carnival and the Fallas faced active suppression. This led to a movement in 1885 defending traditional customs, marked by the launch of a magazine, “La Traca”, which recognized the best Fallas. 

This sparked rivalry among neighbours and led to the emergence of artistic Fallas, which preserved their satirical nature while also focusing on aesthetic appeal. In 1901, the Valencia City Council began awarding municipal prizes to the best Fallas. 

This signified the start of a partnership between the citizens and the political authority, as the festival underwent significant growth in terms of its scale, structure, and organization. In 1929, the first competition for signs to advertise the festivities was held, and in 1932, Fallas Week was established. 

During this period, the Fallas became the primary festival in the Valencian Community, with over 700 large and small Fallas being burnt in Valencia alone.

And now, some interesting links, just in case you are visiting Valencia in Fallas: