It’s the penultimate day of Fallas. When I got up this morning and walked to school, the streets were the emptiest and quietest I’ve ever seen them. It was spooky. Clearly, folks were recovering from the weekend.

That didn’t last. After Spanish class, I went straight to the City Hall plaza and unfortunately, even a full hour early, I only got within two blocks of the plaza. I could have gotten closer on a side street but I wouldn’t have been able to see anything. Instead I found this spot looking straight ahead (from a distance).

While I wish I was closer, I really appreciate that the police left a full block of space. If they had to evacuate the square quickly, there would be space to do so.

Unfortunately, even here was too far to see anything. This Maskleta was a disappointment for me. Tomorrow, there’s no school. And you can be sure, I’ll be there two hours early.

I went home, ate lunch and then went to Dima’s apartment. He and I spent several hours working together, and then he and his wife Lisa made burgers for us. They put a thin spread of blueberry jam on them! Try it! You might like it! I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

Afterwards, we went to the Ofrenda. But first we had to get there!

Then we passed a local Fallas marching band.

Then the marching band passed us!

Then the band and falleros made way for the folks returning from making their offering at the Ofrenda.

As we approached the Plaza where the Ofrenda was being made, we realized we were on the “exit” side of things.

About this time, Rafa texted that he was getting ready to process with his Falla. Dima and Lisa chose to head home (it was after 10:00 p.m.). So I stayed to see Rafa.

After all this walking, I decided that my ankle was starting to hurt a bit and I should not go to the fireworks at the Turia Gardens. So I started to head home. Meanwhile, Rafa also texted that he was heading home.

It’s a bit of a walk, past the City Hall Plaza.

Past another of the larger Fallas.

I got home just before midnight and low and behold, my balcony provided a satisfactory view of the fireworks that started right then.

These fireworks lasted over 20 minutes. And the conclusion was impressive:

It’s almost 1:30 a.m. as I finish writing this. The neighbor’s fireworks are loud and continuous. Maybe I don’t need to sleep yet?

Tomorrow night, I’ll give you the wrap up on the final day of this extraordinary festival.