By:Stephanie Santos
One notable festive event I encountered in Spain is Las Fallas de València. This vibrant festival is a stunning display of creativity and community spirit that is a week-long festival that takes place in March. Each year, elaborate sculptures made of wood and cardboard are crafted, depicting satirical scenes and characters. The excitement builds throughout March as the city prepares for the grand celebration
.The culmination of the festival is the burning of these Fallas on the night of March 19th, which is both a spectacle and a symbolic act of renewal. Experiencing Las Fallas was exhilarating. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and the vibrant colors of the Fallas. We were there on March 10th, right in the heart of the action. I felt a sense of joy and community among both locals and visitors, all coming together to celebrate.
The fireworks and the final burning of the Fallas created a mix of emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of sadness as the beautiful creations went up in flames. In comparison to festive events in my own Dominican culture, Las Fallas is quite different. While we have festivals and celebrations, they often focus on food or music rather than large-scale artistic displays and usually our festivals only last a few days or a weekend unlike a weeklong. However, both cultures share a common thread of community involvement and celebration of heritage. Overall, Las Fallas de València left a lasting impression on me, showcasing the importance of tradition and creativity in bringing people together.
