Buenos diás (good day)
Disclaimer: this is a long one! That's why it took so long to post.
What a day! Today was the finale to the Las Fallas festival and it was a good one. Because we were up late last night and we were going to be up late again, we slept in. We left the hotel about noon and started at the Museo Faller (museum of Fallas). Even though these effigies get burned, they save small parts of them for the museum. They had fallas dating back to the 1930's. It was neat to see the evolution in the artistry. They also had pictures of all the first prize winners from the 1970's to present.
We started meandering or way through the neighborhoods. We stopped for lunch at a food truck and got chorizo sandwiches. They were very good and cheap! We had to make it to the central square by 2pm, because that was when and where the mascleta was taking place. Now, I told you that these people like their fireworks and firecrackers. This mascleta is a major firecracker event. We were jam packed (like sardines)into this central square to listen to a massive firecracker show. I don't think I can accurately describe this event but I will try. Do you know the fireworks that you can feel in your chest when they burst into color? Well, imagine that, just a million times greater. These firecrackers were going off so fast and loud that it felt like I was having heart palpitations. It was crazy and amazing at the same time. I just kept thinking that this would not be legal in the USA. The air was filled with smoke and it was raining small pieces of paper. After 5 minutes of firecrackers, the crowd dissipated and I was no longer squished! We waited for 20 minutes with absolutely no personal space for 5 minutes of noise. Alan loved it!
We walked up to the cathedral to see the finished flower Virgin Mary. It was very pretty. It made me think about the rose parade with all of the floats made of flowers. You have heard me talk about Catholic cathedrals possessing relics. This cathedral claims to have The Holy Grail in its possession. Indiana Jones would have had an easier time if he would have just come to Valencia. The cathedral was closed so we were not able to go in.
We meandered around other neighborhoods looking at their fallas. We stopped for dinner and had paella, this time seafood. I personally preferred the paella valencia (chicken and green bean) but Alan preferred the seafood one.
Next, we had tickets to see a bullfight. We both wanted to see this cultural event to formulate our own opinions. Now, before anyone goes all PETA on me, this bullfight would have happened with or without our presence. Most of the people in the arena were Valencian and this is a major part of their culture. The bullfight is on the same order as a football game and matadors are highly regarded just like major American athletes. It was interesting how this "sport" operates and we were able to figure out the different components. It is amazing how close these matadors get to the bull without getting seriously injured. You could tell which matadors were scared and which ones were not. The matadors get more cheers from the crowd based on how well they are able to control the bull. Overall, it was not my cup of tea. I feel that a bullfight is very similar to the rodeo, except the bull dies in the bullfight. It was a one time experience for both Alan and me.
We got lined up for the fire parade. It is a typical parade with floats and such but culminates with a firework show. Unfortunately the weather caused the parade to be canceled. We walked around to the neighborhoods and found a marching band with a group of followers and dancers, so we joined in.
We ended up surrounding a children's falla (the smaller one) along with lots of other people. They were getting it strung up with fireworks to prepare for the crema (the burning). A lot of music and a short firework display occurred. We watched a boy and girl, dressed in traditional clothing, take pictures and take a small piece of the falla before lighting the fuse. Before it was lit, the falla was doused in lighter fluid. The lighted fuse sets off a chain reaction of firecrackers that ignite the lighter fluid. Once it caught fire, the crown went wild and the band played louder!
The roar of the crowd and the heat on your face helps you get into this event. It all seems tragic that they spent all this time, effort, talent, and money on these fallas just to burn them to the ground. Some of the larger fallas can cost 250,000 euros (approx $275,000).
We walked around and watched two other children's fallas burn. They burn the children fallas from all the neighborhoods first, then they burn the large ones. The night finishes with the crema of the largest falla in the center of the town square.
We wanted to see multiple large fallas burn. We knew that if we wanted to see the largest falla burn, we would have to find a falla close to the town square. We found a falla one block away and stayed. Right before they lit it, the band played and the falla was doused with lighter fluid. This time, the fire department was geared up. The fireworks started and the fire department started spraying water on the trees and buildings closest to the falla. The fuse was lit and firecrackers ignited the falla. Alan and I were no more than 10 feet from this fire. The crowd was even more excited than with the children's fallas. Again, this would not happen in the USA.
We made the short trip to the town square. It was packed but we had a good view of the lion in the center. This time, music was on the loud speaker, then fireworks, then the firecracker fuse igniting the falla. The crowd started singing along with the music on the loud speaker but I had no idea what it was. After 7-8 minutes, it was burned to the ground and everyone dispersed. Everyone started heading home as it was already 1:30 am. We hiked back to our hotel and crashed. It was a long, but exciting day! I love experiencing other cultures.
Buenos noches y adios
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