Top 10 Things to Do During Les Falles in Valencia

Here’s what to do during Les Falles. Valencia transforms into a five-day explosion of art, fire, and celebration. With 700+ monuments, daily fireworks, and non-stop events, knowing what to prioritize makes the difference between an overwhelming mess and an unforgettable experience.

I’ve experienced Les Falles every year since 2019, so in this guide – I’ll help walk you through everything you should be doing. If you’re a first-timer, and you’re unsure what there actually is to do, this guide is for you. 

1. Feel the Mascletà Shake Your Chest (Daily at 2pm)

The mascletà is the most uniquely Valencian part of Les Falles. It’s not fireworks you watch. It’s an explosion you feel.

What It Is

Every day at exactly 2pm, pyrotechnics set off a coordinated firecracker display in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament. For 6-8 minutes, thunderous explosions build to a crescendo that shakes windows across the city.

But here’s the thing. You don’t watch a mascletà.

You experience it. 

The sound vibrations hit your chest. The rhythm builds. And the finale is a truly amazing sensation that you have to experience to understand.

What it’s not: A visual fireworks display. Don’t expect to see tons of amazing colors. You’re there to feel the sound. 

How to Do It

Arrive by 1:30pm to get a decent spot. Locals start gathering at 1pm. By 1:45pm, you’re fighting through crowds.

And the people that want to be close up will probably be there for hours ahead of time. 

The best viewing depends on your tolerance for chaos:

• Close-up (as close to the center as possible): Maximum intensity. You’ll feel every explosion. Incredibly crowded. I do NOT recommend this for beginners.
• Mid-distance (surrounding streets): Great balance. You feel the vibrations without the crush. Plus you won’t feel as overwhelmed by the crowds.
• Far away (anywhere in old town): You’ll still hear and (kinda) feel it. Less spectacle but more comfortable.

I prefer standing on the side streets personally. 

Why It’s #1

Nothing else in the world feels like a mascletà. It’s quintessentially Valencian. You can’t understand Les Falles without experiencing this.

Check the full Les Falles schedule for daily mascletà times.

2. Walk Among 700+ Falles Monuments

The Falles themselves are extraordinary. These aren’t simple sculptures. They’re multi-story satirical artworks that took months to build.

What They Are

Falles are elaborate monuments made of wood, papier-mâché, and artistic genius. 

But something that is often surprising to newcomers is the actual designs. They feature satirical scenes critiquing politicians, celebrities, and current events. 

Some of these can reach 4-5 stories tall.

Each neighborhood association (casal) builds their own Falla. And the city has 700+ of them scattered everywhere.

The Special Section

Not all Falles are equal. The “Secció Especial” includes the most elaborate, expensive monuments. These are the ones you see in photos.

Top Special Section Falles to visit:

• Plaça de l’Ajuntament: The city’s official Falla, always spectacular
• Convento Jerusalén: Consistently creative and impressive
• Na Jordana: Massive and beautifully crafted
• Cuba-Literato Azorín: Right in Russafa, easy to access

Want the full list? Check out my full Falles Guide. 

The Children’s Falles

Every adult Falla has a smaller children’s version (Falla Infantil) nearby. These are often more whimsical and family-friendly.

How to Do It

It depends a bit on where your hotel is located. But regardless, you should plan to need a couple of days to see the most important ones. It’s possible to see them all I also recommend trying to see them as early as possible in the morning.

My recommended route:

1. Start at Plaça de l’Ajuntament (main Falla)
2. Head to Russafa via Carrer de Xàtiva
3. See all the ones in Russafa, then head over to La Ciutat Vella
4. From here, take a break and eat lunch
5. Go see the ones that are a bit further a way by taking the metro (like Misser Mascó and Campanar)
6. Check out any ones that you’re missing (or that you’re interested in)
7. Go see the ones in Russafa again, this time at night. 

This should take you the FULL day. Aaaand you’re going to be tired from all the walking. 

So if you can break it up into multiple days, I would recommend it. This way, you can explore all the smaller Falles on the way and enjoy yourself. 

Why It Matters

The Falles are the festival’s namesake. Walking among these towering satirical artworks is surreal. 

It’s an entire year’s worth of artistry on full display. 

3. Witness L’Ofrena de Flors (The Flower Offering)

L’Ofrena de Flors is another great thing to do during Les Falles. It’s one of the most emotional events.  

Thousands of people in traditional dress march from their neighborhoods and carry flowers through the streets, offering them to the Patron Saint of the city. 

Then, artists take all the flowers and make a two-story tall cape out of them. 

What Happens

Members of each Falla commission dress in traditional Valencian costumes. They carry bouquets and process through the city to Plaça de la Mare de Déu (The Virgin Mary’s Square). 

There, they offer the flowers to create a massive floral tapestry covering a wooden structure of the Mare de Déu dels Desamparats (Valencia’s patron saint).

By the end, this structure is entirely covered in flowers. 

When It Happens

L’Ofrena spans two days:

• March 17: Afternoon, going late into the night.
• March 18: Afternoon, going late into the night.

Just know that you’ll need to battle a looooot of crowds if you want to get a good view.

Where to Watch

To be honest, many of the streets get blocked off. Which means it can be hard to get a good view of the events. 

Especially if you want to see them give the flowers at the end. 

To do that, you’ll need to be at the Plaça de la Mare de Déu. But be warned — it’s a small area and there will be a LOT of people trying to watch. So be prepared to be crowded. 

Other options to watch the parade (but not the ending)

• Plaça de la Reina: Where the procession passes close to the cathedral
• Carrer de la Pau: The main route through old town
• Carrer de Cavallers: The other main street through the Old Town. 

It will be going on for hours. So just be patient and do your best to get a good view. 

Just please be respectful. Remember that this is an emotional event for the participants. You can check out my FAQ guide for more details about dos & dont’s. 

What to Notice

The clothing is incredible. Traditional Valencian dress features elaborate silk gowns, intricate jewelry, and complex hairstyles. Everything is hand-made and the outfits cost thousands of euros.

You’ll also hear lots of bands playing traditional Falles music. 

I think it’s mostly important to pay attention to the details here. The intricate clothing, the way flowers are turned into a multi-story design, all of the organization that takes place. Honestly, it’s a spectacular thing to watch. 

Why It’s Special

Personally, it is one of my favorite events from a visual point of view. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and the entire area ends up smelling like flowers. 

To be fair — it’s also one of the most controversial aspects of the tradition. Les Falles did NOT originally have any religious elements. But during the dictatorship, this ceremony was added in to “smooth things over” a bit. 

Because the dictatorship wasn’t exactly happy with a festival that explicitly made fun of political leaders… 

But this ceremony has remained as part of the festival. And many people might not even know about its origin. So for some people, L’Ofrena doesn’t feel authentic. 

As a tourist – I’d recommend visiting the event, as it truly is a wonderful sight. However, make sure to be aware of how history and politics can affect current cultural events. 

4. Stay Up for La Nit del Foc (Night of Fire)

La Nit del Foc happens on March 18th. It’s the biggest fireworks display of the festival.

What It Is

A massive firework show launched from the Túria Gardens around midnight. Unlike the mascletàs (which are about sound), this is visual spectacle.

The display lasts around 30 minutes. It’s choreographed, elaborate, and genuinely impressive.

Where to Watch

Best locations:

• Pont de les Flors: Bridge in the Turia Gardens with great sight lines
• Jardí del Túria paths: Spread out along the gardens. Just know some areas will be blocked off for safety.
• Nearby streets: Less crowded, still decent views

Basically, it takes place at the Opera House in the City of Arts and Sciences, at the Pont de Montolivete. So just stand somewhere where you have a good view. 

And if all else fails, just follow the crowd. They know where they’re going!

It starts at midnight. 

• Want to just be able to see it ➡️ Get there by 11:45.
• Want a decent view ➡️ Get there by 11:00.
• Want a great view from the bridge? ➡️ Get there by 9 PM.

The Atmosphere

I would definitely say this is a family-friendly event. That said, you will also see people partying and drinking in the streets. 

But if you’re bringing your kids to see Les Falles, this isn’t anything crazier than they’d see the rest of the time. 

You should expect to be packed in with thousands of people. If you don’t like crowds, watch from further away.

Why You Can’t Miss It

It’s the festival’s penultimate event. (Fancy word for second-to-last). 

Basically, it’s the anticipation before La Cremà. The biggest celebration before everything burns.

Find the best rooftop bars if you want to watch from above (though you’ll need to book way ahead).

5. Experience La Cremà (The Burning)

La Cremà is what Les Falles builds toward. On March 19th at midnight, all 700+ Falles burn simultaneously.

What Happens

At around midnight, firefighters starting lighting the Falles. These multi-story artworks that took months to create burn in minutes.

Honestly, this is a truly cathartic and exciting experience to watch. Crowds roar as it starts to fall down. It symbolizes a new start to the year, burning down all their criticisms of the year before. 

Which Cremà to Attend

You can only watch one Falla burn (they’re more-or-less simultaneous). Choose strategically.

Best options:

• Plaça de l’Ajuntament (1am): The main city Falla burns last, at 1am. It’s the biggest and most dramatic. Incredibly crowded.
• Secció Especial (midnight): Choose your favorite of the biggest falles! It’ll be crowded still, but it’s fun to watch.
• Your neighborhood Falla (midnight): More intimate, local atmosphere. Less touristy. This is what I usually do (mostly so I can go to bed right away afterwards 😴)

If you really want to get into it, then watch one of the Secció Especial Falles burn, then rush over to l’Ajuntament. 

Safety and Logistics

After more than a century of purposefully setting the city on fire… the firefighters in Valencia know what they’re doing. 

So just follow the normal routes, listen to any law enforcement, and have some common sense. You’ll definitely leave smelling like smoke, though. So maybe wear clothes you don’t plan on wearing again during the trip. 

The Aftermath

After La Cremà, the streets slowly fizzle out. No more parties. Everybody got everything out of their system, and cleaning crews work overnight to transform the city.

By the morning, you can barely tell that a five-day festival took place. 

Why It Defines Les Falles

La Cremà is catharsis. All this beauty, all this work, all this artistry burns. It’s about impermanence, renewal, and letting go.

I mean, you’re watching literally millions of euros of art turn to dust. So there’s gotta be a strong poetic reason behind it! 

6. Eat Bunyols Until You Can’t Anymore

So now that we’ve covered the major events, let’s talk about some other things to do during Les Falles. Valencia’s biggest festival wouldn’t be the same without eating bunyols! 

These fried pumpkin fritters define the festival’s culinary identity.

What They Are

Bunyols are light, airy fritters made with pumpkin in the batter. They’re fried fresh and rolled in sugar. Simple but perfect.

Every bakery makes them during Les Falles. Street vendors sell them everywhere. You’ll smell them constantly.

Where to Get Them

• Horchateria Santa Catalina: The classic choice. Nearly 200 years old. Lines are long but worth it.
• Street vendors: Throughout Ciutat Vella. Quality varies but they’re usually good when fresh.
• Traditional bunyol bakeries: El Contraste and Bienve are two well-known ones! 

When to Eat Them

Traditionally during berenar (afternoon snack, 6-8pm). But honestly, eat them whenever you want.

Fresh matters more than timing. If you see them coming out of the fryer, grab them immediately.

➡️ Check out my Falles Food Guide

The Full Experience

Get bunyols with xurros and hot chocolate for the complete xocolatà tradition. It’s a social gathering centered around sweets.

Just know that this hot chocolate is THICK. At least, the good ones are! 

Why It’s Essential

Food traditions matter as much as fireworks. Bunyols are to Les Falles what turkey is to Thanksgiving.

Plus they’re delicious.

Read my complete food guide for everything you need to eat during the festival.

7. Party at a Casal (If You Can Get In)

So to be honest — most people reading this won’t be able to do this. Because casals are neighborhood association buildings. During Les Falles, they transform into private party zones.

What They Are

Each Falla commission has a casal where members gather. These buildings host dinners, parties, and celebrations throughout the festival.

The atmosphere is authentic Valencia. Locals celebrating their traditions. Music, drinking, dancing, community.

The Challenge

Most casals are private. You need to know someone in the commission to get in.

BUT – Some casals host public events or dinners. These require tickets bought in advance. Or, if you’re nice and learned some Valencian to make friends — you might be able to get an invitation. 

How to Access

• Ask your hotel concierge if they have connections to any casals.
• Join a local tour that includes casal visits.
• Make friends with Valencians before the festival (easiest if you’re staying longer).
• Walk around and ask nicely at smaller neighborhood casals. Some are more welcoming than others. This would be less for partying and more for genuinely asking about the culture and events!

What to Expect

Music. Drinking. Traditional food. Dancing. Fireworks set off from the street outside. 

It’s high energy and super fun. Remember that a lot of Fallers/Falleres will take their holidays at this time, just to fully experience the festival. 

8. Wake Up to the Despertà (Morning Firecracker Wake-Up)

This is something to do during Les Falles, whether you want it or not. Because the Despertà happens every morning starting March 15th. 

… at 8 AM. 

It’s Valencia’s version of an alarm clock: firecrackers.

What Happens

At around 7-8am, Fallers walk through the streets throwing firecrackers. “Despertà” means “Woken Up”. So everybody is getting woken up to the sound of firecrackers. 

It depends on where you’re staying, but it’s pretty likely this will wake you up every morning. 

How to Experience It

• Option 1: Stay in Ciutat Vella and get woken up naturally (unavoidable).
• Option 2: Set an alarm and go outside to watch it. 
• Option 3: Use earplugs and sleep through it (valid choice).

Personally, I LOVE waking up early and seeing the Falles before the streets get full. So I always end up watching the Despertà. It’s not anything super crazy. 

But it is interesting that after partying all day, and up until 4 AM… people still have the energy to do this. 

➡️ Read my Where to Stay During Les Falles Guide for more tips here. 

Why It Matters

The Despertà shows Les Falles’ intensity. Even the mornings are explosive. It just goes to show that there’s no escape from the festival.

Aaaaand to be honest… it’s also funny watching tourists experience it for the first time (sorry).

9. Try Traditional Valencian Food

Les Falles is the perfect time to dive into Valencian cuisine. Restaurants are packed but the energy is incredible.

What to Eat

• Paella: Obviously. But only for lunch.
• L’esmorzaret: Traditional mid-morning meal with a hearty sandwich, beer, and coffee.
• Fideuà: Like paella but with noodles instead of rice.
• All i pebre: Traditional eel stew.
• Esgarraet: Roasted peppers with salt cod.

➡️ Here’s my full Valencian food guide

Where to Eat

Make reservations EARLY. I mean January-February. Good restaurants book solid.

For paella:

• Casa Carmela (beach area)
• El Ferro (city center)
• La Pepica (classic beachfront)

For traditional Valencian:

• Riuà 
• Casa Montaña (traditional)
• Canalla Bistro (contemporary/fusion)

➡️ Check my restaurant guide for detailed recommendations.

Budget Options

Not every meal needs to be special. Get a menú del dia (€12-15 for three courses) at local restaurants. Grab snacks or small meals at supermarkets. You can also go to a takeaway spot to get single servings of paella and other local dishes. 

➡️ Here’s my Les Falles Budget Guide

Why Food Matters

Valencian cuisine is world-class. Les Falles adds energy and tradition to the dining experience.

Plus you need fuel for all the walking and late nights.

10. Just Wander and Get Lost

Maybe this is a lazy way to end the article. But honestly, I feel like the the best Les Falles moments happen when you’re not following a plan.

What This Means

Walk random streets. Stumble onto neighborhood Falles you didn’t know existed. Find a random party at 2am. Chat with locals. 

Les Falles is a whole different experience from “normal” Valencia. So take some time to just explore the city. 

How to Do It

I genuinely recommend walking everywhere as much as possible. Take side roads rather than main avenues. And when you’re going from one major Falla to another, enjoy the smaller Falles along the way. 

That sounds poetic, but I’m being very literal. There are over 700 falles in the city!

Best neighborhoods for wandering:

• El Carme: Narrow medieval streets, lots of Falles, great atmosphere.
• Russafa: Trendy area with beautiful light installations during Les Falles.
• La Xerea: Old town charm, fewer tourists than El Carme.

The Magic

Les Falles rewards wandering. The best photos, the best moments, the best memories come from unplanned discoveries.

Why It’s #10 (But Maybe #1)

I listed this last, but honestly, this is how you should experience most of Les Falles.

See the main events. Then wander. Get lost. Let the festival surprise you.

Practical Tips for Doing Les Falles

Book Everything Early

Accommodation by summer/fall the year before. Restaurants by January-February. Learn when to book for best prices.

Bring Earplugs

Cannot emphasize this enough. The noise is constant and intense. Quality earplugs make the difference between getting sleep and turning into a zombie. 

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You’ll walk 15,000-20,000 steps daily. Wear broken-in shoes. Your feet will hurt regardless, but bad shoes make it unbearable.

Protect Your Phone

Just be careful of pickpockets. Especially if you’re drinking, it’s easy to get your phone stolen. 

Stay Hydrated

March in Valencia isn’t hot (15-20°C) but you’re walking constantly and probably drinking alcohol. Carry water.

Plan for Late Nights

Nothing happens early during Les Falles. Dinner starts at 10pm. Parties run until 4am. La Cremà is at midnight. Adjust your sleep schedule accordingly.

Accept the Chaos

Les Falles is overwhelming. 700+ Falles. Daily mascletàs. Constant firecrackers. Non-stop crowds. You can’t see everything.

Pick your priorities. See what matters to you. Let the rest go.

Budget Realistically

Les Falles costs more than normal Valencia. Hotels inflate 2-4x. Restaurants are expensive and packed. 

Learn Basic Valencian Phrases

“Bon dia” (good morning), “gràcies” (thank you), “perdona” (excuse me). Valencians appreciate the effort.

➡️ Learn useful expressions before your trip.

Is Les Falles Worth It?

Absolutely. But it’s not for everyone.

You’ll love Les Falles if you:

• Enjoy crowds and chaos
• Love festivals and celebrations
• Want authentic cultural experiences
• Can function on limited sleep
• Appreciate art and tradition
• Don’t mind noise

You might struggle if you:

• Need quiet and calm
• Dislike large crowds
• Require 8+ hours sleep
• Have noise sensitivity
• Prefer structured itineraries
• Want a relaxing vacation

I’ve done Les Falles multiple times. It’s exhausting, chaotic, and occasionally frustrating. It’s also magical, unforgettable, and unlike anything else.

I know a lot of Valencians that purposefully LEAVE the city because they can’t stand the festival. And I know Valencians that spend their entire year waiting for this moment. So it really depends on what you’re looking for. 

But at the end of the day, it’s not just a party. It’s a cultural statement about impermanence, community, and identity.

Planning Your Les Falles Trip

I hope this helps you figure out what to do during Les Falles in Valencia! 

If you need help planning, feel free to send me a message or book a travel consultation. 

And if you want to keep exploring, here are some other guides I’ve made that could be helpful:

Essential guides:

More Valencia resources:

• Ciutat Vella Guide – Understanding the old town
• Russafa Neighborhood Guide – Valencia’s trendiest area
• Valencia in March – Weather and events
• Public Holidays in Valencia – Understanding local celebrations