1 March 2026

Fallas officially started today. Fallas is the Valencia party that lasts 19 days from the 1st to the 19th of March each year.

And there were lots of events leading up to today.

But my week has been more consumed with choir. The concerts with the Mass in German by Franz Shubert are this coming week. So our rehearsals and a lot of my spare time was focused on that.

I was also able to connect via What’s App with my friend Bo from Lewes Delaware on Wednesday this week. It’s such a joy that technology allows us the chance to maintain meaningful relationships despite the distance.

Yesterday (Saturday), was the Calbagata de Ninots…. The Parade of Ninots, one of the precursors to Fallas.

It wasn’t nearly as crowded as I expected. I met my friends Travis and Obi and a group of their friends. We were able to be right in front of City Hall.

Right behind us, they were setting up for fireworks for later in the evening.

This was my first time to go to this event. And after an hour and a half of lots of silliness, political satire, and social commentary, I got tired and left.

I had planned to go back for the fireworks. But by midnight, when they started, I had fallen fast asleep.

Today, I went to the first Mascletá. Each day from the first to the 19th of March, at exactly 2:00 the City Hall Plaza is packed with people for this 10 minute spectacle of noise.

Because it was the first one of the season, a weekend, and a beautiful day, I think the crowds were among the biggest I’ve ever seen.

I didn’t quite get to the plaza. The crowds were just too big. But even a block away, it was pretty fun.

Tonight, I met Vicente for the fireworks (at a more reasonable hour of 8 pm).

On the way, I walked through the park by my house.

This is the sound and way of life of Fallas. The smell of gunpowder is everywhere.

As we walked, we saw long lines of people waiting to buy Buñelos…a fried pumpkin-flavored donut with powdered sugar. Buñelos are also a Fallas tradition. When the lines aren’t so long, I’ll buy some and share pics.

In the Plaza, while we waited, we enjoyed calamari sandwiches (a traditional Valenciano snack) and Cokes.

The fireworks were great fun!

Our concerts are Thursday evening in Torrent (just outside of the city) and Friday night not too far from my house. I’ll send updates next week.

Meanwhile, may your week be filled with fireworks, music and joy.

Cheers!