Las Fallas

One of Spain's most spectacular festivals, declared Fiesta of International Tourist Interest and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Key events: La Plantà (March 15 night)—all 700+ fallas (giant cardboard, wood, and papier-mâché sculptures) installed at intersections across Valencia; La Mascletà (March 1-19 daily at 2pm) at Plaza del Ayuntamiento—ear-shattering fireworks (cohetes and petardos) with synchronized explosive patterns that rattle windows 2 blocks away; Cabalgata del Ninot (March 17-18)—parade of falleros (Fallas participants) in traditional fallera costume (elaborate 18th-century inspired dresses, silk brocade, lace mantilla, hair arranged in "rodete" bun with peinetón comb); Ofrenda de Flores (March 17-18)—flower offering to Virgen de los Desamparados (Virgin of the Forsaken) at Plaza de la Virgen; 100,000+ falleros carry flowers to build 15-metre-high cape of Virgin; La Cremà (March 19 night at midnight)—all fallas burned in massive bonfires, largest (Falla Municipal de la Plaza del Ayuntamiento) at 1am. Also: "Nit del Foc" (Fire Night) on March 18—largest fireworks display of festival at Paseo de la Alameda. Pro tips : earplugs MANDATORY for Mascletà (noise levels 120+ decibels, equivalent to jet engine, hearing damage occurs within minutes); fallera costumes are NOT costumes for tourists—Valencians spend €2,000-10,000 per dress and wear only for Fallas; do NOT touch fallas before Crema (they will be burned but are delicate and residents worked year-round building them)