In this article we are going to talk about the Fallas in Valencia and how we celebrate at our school: Hispania, escuela de Español.

The Fallas are one of Spain´s most symbolic celebrations and take place every year, from the 15^th – 19^th of March.

Originating in the XVIII century, the Fallas have become one of the most famous celebrations in the world, with thousands of visitors arriving in Valencia to see the event for themselves.

Practically every neighbourhood in Valencia has its own falla with its ninots.

The ninots are the dolls which make up the falla. These ninots can be very different sizes. There are some that are very big and can reach up to 20 metres.

Students who study at Hispania, escuela de español in March are very lucky because they will be able to live through the Fallas as if they had been Valencian all their lives. How are they able to do this? Thanks to our activities during Fallas week!

From the 15^th to the 19^th of March, as well as learning Spanish in the classroom, we go outside so that the students are able to take in the sensational Fallas environment and live it along with us.

To be able to do this, we use the yincanas.

At Hispania, escuela de español, we love to organise yincanas which take place throughout the entire year. During Fallas, we prepare two different of these cultural excursions.

The first excursion is the visit to the Ninot Exhibition.

The best ninots of each falla are shown at this exhibition.

Each falla in Valencia selects its favourite ninot and displays it to the public at the Ninot Exhibition.

What is the purpose of all of this? To save their ninot from the bonfire! All the fallas are burnt on the night of the 19^th of March, but there are two ninots that are going to be saved.

The jury of the Junta Central Fallera and the public who attend the exhibition vote for the ninots they want to be saved.

The two dolls with the most votes are taken to the Museo Fallero de Valencia and will remain there forever!

The students love being able to vote for their favourite ninots to save them from the Cremà (the final burning of the fallas).

Another great Fallas activity that we do is the "yincana de la falla de la Exposición".

Over the course of 4 hours, students participate in activities whilst learning about things related to the Fallas. The students are divided into groups and will compete throughout the entire morning.

The excursion starts at the Turia River. There they will take part in cultural quiz games related to these festivities.

For example:

Where are the Mascletàs launched?

What is the typical food of the Fallas?

What is the name of the ceremony in which the falleros bring flowers to the Virgin?

The great thing about this activity is that, if the students don't know the answers, they have to ask people in the street in order to obtain them. It's a great way to use their Spanish in a real environment, with native people, whilst also learning about the Fallas.

After this activity, we go to see the Falla de la Exposición. This falla is usually very big and one of the most beautiful in Valencia.

We also ask some Fallas related questions here so that the students are able to analyse and pay attention to every detail of the ninots and the fallas art. The next activity is the fireworks on the Alameda Bridge. Here we take part in one of the most typical Valencian traditions during Fallas, throwing firecrackers.

The students set up their own firecrackers and the teachers choose the most spectacular ones, as if it were a mascleta.

The yincana continues with the ¨parade of the falleras mayores.¨

During Fallas, many people live out these festivities with passion and dress up in beautiful, traditional clothing.

We organise our own parade of falleros with rudimentary materials, such as cardboard, fabric or leaves....

The results would surprise you with how good they are!

Finally, we say goodbye to this fun Fallas evening, eating delicious churros with chocolate in the old town. This is the typical food of Fallas and all of the students love it. Students can also enjoy hot chocolate in the school´s cafeteria. We offer this space so that our students can relax and socialise between classes.

At Hispania, escuela de español, we believe that these activities are fantastic for the students because they allow them to learn about Spanish culture as well as being able to use their Spanish in a practical and fun way.

Have you never had the opportunity to experience Fallas in Valencia? Do you also want to learn or improve your Spanish in Spain? Then come to Hispania, escuela de epañol!

We will show you all you need to know about the best celebration in the world, the Fallas.

See you soon!