The third largest city in Spain will give odds to everyone else in the ability to have fun. Tourists who find themselves at any festival or celebration in Valencia are unconditionally convinced of this. Colorful shows, theatrical performances, carnival processions through the streets of the city demonstrate the emotional Spanish character better than any words.
Let's take a look at the calendar
Valencia is not limited to traditional European holidays and there are many dates in its calendar, which are eagerly awaited by the townspeople. And yet, beloved in the Old World, the New Year or, for example, Christmas, the Spaniards honor and prepare hard for them:
- During the Christmas holidays, Valencia turns into a fabulous setting. Its streets and squares are decorated with illumination, ornate Christmas trees are installed in all major department stores and shopping centers offering the best goods at competitive prices. Concerts and charity events take place in schools and museums, art galleries and theaters.
- The people of Valencia celebrate New Year on the street. They gather in the central square and count down the last strikes of the clock in chorus.
- All residents of the city meet at the Easter service, because the Spaniards are very religious and faithfully observe traditions. Easter week is rich in festive processions, after which Valencians prefer to spend time on picnics in the parks, enjoying a festive treat.
Burn the bridges
The brightest and most unusual holiday in Valencia is Fallas. It begins according to the old tradition on March 15 and lasts for several days, during which the city strides with a new life, renewed and cleansed. For Fallas, huge dolls are made, symbolizing human vices, negative phenomena in political and public life and other troubles. The Valencians get rid of them very simply - the papier-mâché figures are solemnly burned on the night of de la Crema, which begins on March 19. Bonfires illuminate ancient streets, and celebrating townspeople enjoy delicious paella cooked right in the squares, arrange festivities with dances and songs, blow up firecrackers and spend time with family and friends.
Do you like tomatoes?
No matter how the traveler who finds himself in the province of Valencia on the last Wednesday of August answers this question, he will have to face a tomato boom in the truest sense of the word. This day is called Tomatina, and the tomato festival takes place 38 km from Valencia in the town of Buñol. The easiest way to get there is by rented car along the A3 highway.
When the rocket fires, everyone gathered in the main square and the adjacent streets of Buñol begins to throw ripe tomatoes brought in special trucks at each other. The participants in the battle have to fight knee-deep in tomato juice, and the local fire brigade washes off the tomato porridge from the hoses with which the special equipment is equipped.
