The Fallas of 2021 is probably the weirdest Fallas of all; not only because it happened during the month of September, during a pandemic, but also because all of the Falleras and Falleros were wearing masks while marching in the big parades through Valencia. We went to watch the Entrega de los Premios (picking up the Fallas Prizes) -- a two-day event, when marching bands take the streets of the city, leading the commissions to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to pick up their prizes.
Valencians are competitive, and just about everything about Fallas involves competition, from the selecting of Falleras, to game and sport tournaments, and even including the fireworks displays. But the most well-known and important battle is about the monuments which they erect during the plantà.
Picking Up Fallas Prizes in Style
The commissions have invested a lot of time and money into their figures, and it’s important to do well in the judging. During the Entrega de los Premios, they take to the streets, marching through the city to the beat of their own band. There’s a lot of bands, so, this means a lot of noise. Let’s just say, it’s best not to plan any important Zoom meetings during these two days, if you’re located within a two-kilometer radius of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento!
The Faller@s get all dressed up in their traditional garb — although this year, they had a new accessory: facial masks. Of course, we’ve become accustomed to people wearing masks, but it was still startling to see this very modern necessity paired with such traditional outfits. For the most part, they tried to match the masks to their dress, and make it part of the outfit.
As you can see in this video, this is a very festive event. Everyone is in a great mood, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself in the middle of five marching bands all playing different songs at the same time, which could give you a major headache… depending how much you drank the night before.
There is so much going on and so many things to look at: Falleras dancing, parents showing off their newborns, beautiful dresses made out of silk, it’s pure sensory overload. And for the first few hours, it’s great fun. But this happens across two days — on the first, they award the prizes for the Falla Infantil, and on the second it’s the turn for the larger Fallas figures. And two days of incessant marching band music… well, it’s a lot.
Don't Forget: Get Travel Health Insurance!
To make your trip a worry-free experience, TravelFeed recommends SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. It provides comprehensive health coverage while you travel, so you can focus on exploring, not the unexpected. Get a quote here
After the prizes have been claimed, you will often find the winning Fallas commissions taking little detours on their way back home, which just happen to bring them past other casals. I’m sure it has nothing to do with showing off! Just like it must be coincidental that, during these moments, the their marching bands seem to play just a bit louder then usual.
From our Fallas in Valencia Blog!
More Photos from Picking Up the Fallas Prizes:
Travel Resources for your trip to Spain
Recommended by TravelFeed
Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to Spain.
Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in Spain on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.
Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can be pricey, but travel health insurance is not. We always use SafetyWing for affordable and reliable coverage.
Car Rental: For hassle-free car hiring, DiscoverCars is our trusted choice with a wide selection of vehicles.
Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!
Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.
Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to Spain. Chat now.
Disclosure: Posts on TravelFeed may contain affiliate links. See affiliate disclosure.
