It’s the last weekend of Fallas and Valencia is building up to a big crescendo of this festival on the 19th. I learned yesterday that Fallas in Valencia is recognized by UNESCO as the longest, on-going festival in the world. No other event (Carnival, Mardi Gras, etc) lasts 19 days…and none has fireworks at anywhere near this level.

I went to the midnight fireworks on Friday at the City Hall plaza.

I was going to connect with my friend Mike and Carlos. But the crowds were so big, it became impossible for us to connect until afterwards.

We walked through some of the neighborhoods to see the Fallas construction sights.

As I walked home after 1:00 am, I was struck by a couple things. Despite the crowds, things felt safe. (One still should be careful of pick pockets, especially in the really big crowds). And as I got closer to home, I took this pic.

The spontaneous fireworks and firecrackers by the neighbors continued until after 3:30 am. But, somehow I’m getting used to it.

Saturday, I chose to stay home, clean the apartment, do laundry, study, relax and rest.

But I couldn’t help but meet my friend Martin (from UK), for the the fireworks at midnight. These were held at the Turia River Gardens.

As we walked, there were so many people lighting their own firecrackers and fireworks that the air was thick with smoke.

We found a good spot on a bridge over the gardens.

Saturday and Sunday morning, I was sitting on my balcony drinking coffee and heard music approaching.

Today, Martin and I took the bus to the beach. It was lovely just to sit in the beach, enjoy the sand, sun and surf. It was a weird weather day, it was 75, but with clouds and fog that kept coming and going.

After getting home, showering and talking to MK and then Mom on the phone, I ventured out and met up with Daniel and friends. The city is alive with parties and people at every corner and in every street.

It was normally about a 20 minute walk to where they were.

But with Fallas and the crowds, it took a bit longer. But I found them!

Unfortunately, I walked too fast tonight and my sprained ankle started hurting more. So, rather than try to do too much and go to the fireworks tonight, I took a taxi home, put ice on my ankle and will go to bed (relatively) early (by 12:00).

There’s still a lot more Fallas to experience and I want to pace myself.