Unusual things to do during Fallas

The Fallas are the most internationally renowned festivals of the Spanish city of Valencia. They are lived intensely by die-hard "falleros" and are a topic of debate practically year-round, in anticipation of those days when the smell of gunpowder, closed streets, and stalls selling churros, fritters, and chocolate take over the entire city.

Millions of tourists visit this coastal capital seeking to discover a festival that is incomparable and unforgettable in equal measure; naturally, they usually do the same as everyone else, such as seeing the most famous Fallas, attending "mascletás," watching firework displays, or eating in the heart of the city center. However, the Fallas can be experienced in very different ways. Below, we recommend some activities that are not included in most Valencia tourist guides but offer a similarly unique experience.

• Touring small neighborhoods. Most of the "falla" monuments in the city of Valencia are modest, with tight budgets; therefore, the investment does not allow for grand monuments. However, walking through the streets of a small Valencian neighborhood guarantees the tourist the opportunity to see what 90% of the fallas are actually like. With limited fencing, free entry—unlike many famous fallas—and a pleasant, festive atmosphere, neighborhood fallas offer tourists the chance to get as close as possible to these monuments and enjoy firecrackers, music, and games almost 24 hours a day in the middle of a quiet street.
• Eating paella at 3 in the morning. It is very common for foreign tourists to dedicate their lunchtime to the famous Valencian paella. During Fallas, however, there is a tradition in almost all "casales falleros" (clubhouses) consisting of holding paella competitions among their bravest members. These late-night paellas usually start at midnight, meaning the dish isn't ready until two or three hours later. Having a plate of paella in hand to the rhythm of a street party, with the dead of night over your head, is an experience that no one should miss during Fallas.
• Fallas Concerts. Finally, there are the Fallas concerts. The issue with this activity isn't that it’s not famous, but that getting tickets isn't always easy due to the large number of tourists and locals who want to attend every year. For that reason, it’s best to plan ahead and buy tickets in advance. They take place in the massive Viveros Gardens, an area with natural charm in the city of Valencia where you can listen to some of the best, usually national, bands. It's a much higher-quality alternative to the typical street parties (verbenas) that you will find around every corner of the city.

As you can see, this celebration has much more to enjoy during Fallas than you might imagine.