Our trip to Valencia started with a bus ride from Barcelona. The views on the way were amazing. We saw big fields, green hills, and many orange and olive trees. It was very peaceful and beautiful. As I looked out the window, I felt excited to visit Valencia, a city full of culture, old traditions, and colorful fireworks. The ride was just the beginning of a wonderful experience.
The weather was perfect, sunny with a gentle breeze, warm but not too hot, and comfortably refreshing, so we decided to take a walk to the Valencia Central Market. I love the markets here, as soon as you enter you are greeted by colorful stalls offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and local specialties, and everything looks really fresh. We enjoyed some delicious pastries, but the real highlight was experiencing one of Valencia's most cherished traditions: the daily fireworks at 2:00 PM. These loud and powerful fireworks, known as La Mascletà , are part of the famous Las Fallas festival, which lasts for five exciting days from March 15 to 19. This festival honors Valencia’s rich history and culture with music, traditional dress, giant sculptures, and, of course, lots of fireworks. The thunderous sounds echoing through the city filled the air with energy and excitement, making it a moment we’ll never forget.
Next, we headed to L’Alqueria de Boro, where we had the opportunity to learn the “Boro” technique for making the traditional paella Valenciana. The paella was prepared outdoors, using firewood from orange tree branches, extra virgin olive oil, chicken, smashed Roman tomatoes, lima beans, black-eyed beans, paprika, water, salt, rice and a fresh rosemary. The experience was truly unique, everyone was so welcoming and made us feel like we were part of a Spanish family gathering. It felt like something straight out of a storybook. We all worked together, bonding over the shared joy of preparing such a beloved dish.
As the paella cooked, we learned about the traditional irrigation system used in the region, which helps to grow the fresh ingredients that go into their meals. It was fascinating to hear about the Water Court system, a centuries-old tradition that ensures fair distribution of water across the fields.
When the paella was finally ready, it felt like a true celebration. We sat together as a big family and savored every bite. Alongside the paella, we also enjoyed horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, which is another traditional specialty of Valencia.
Our time in Valencia was more than just a visit it was a journey into the heart of Spanish tradition and community. From the peaceful countryside views on our way in, to the booming fireworks of La Mascletà , and the hands-on joy of cooking paella together, every moment gave us a deeper appreciation for Valencia’s rich culture. We tasted local flavors, learned about ancient customs, and felt the vibrant spirit of the people.