The Fallas festival of Gandia, held annually March 15-19 in honor of Saint Joseph, is much more than just a celebration; it is an explosion of culture, art and tradition that transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of creativity and jubilation. This event, recognized for its uniqueness and magnificence, draws visitors from across Spain and abroad, eager to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
A Year of Innovation and Tradition
For the year 2024, the Fallas festival in Gandia promises a mix of tradition and modernity. While maintaining the historical roots of the celebration, organizers have incorporated contemporary elements into the fallas, music and events, ensuring a renewed experience even for regular attendees. The city becomes a stage of continuous celebration, with every corner offering a new surprise.
Beginning and Preparation: A Progressive Celebration
The anticipation for Fallas begins long before March 15th. From February 25th, the different fallas commissions begin to unveil their “ninots”. These figures, true works of art, are the result of months of meticulous and creative work by fallas artists. Each “ninot” is a unique artistic expression, reflecting both traditional themes and current issues, making them a reflection of contemporary society.
The competition to save the best “ninot” from the fire adds an element of excitement and pride for the commissions, as being “pardoned” is a great honor. This tradition of the “ninot indultat” allows one of these impressive creations to be preserved each year, accumulating a cultural and artistic legacy.
Gandia Fallas 2024 Calendar and Highlighted Events
The Gandia Fallas 2024 Calendar and its Highlighted Events present a schedule packed with celebrations and activities that capture the essence of this Valencian tradition. This calendar is an essential guide for those wishing to experience the splendor and joy of one of Spain’s most iconic festivals.
From the ceremonious “Plantà” to the spectacular “Cremà”, each scheduled event offers a unique window into Gandia’s culture, art and history. Here the key moments and unmissable activities are detailed, ensuring that both locals and visitors can fully immerse themselves in the festive spirit of the Fallas.
- February 4: Proclamation and “Crida”, announcing the start of festivities.
- February 11: Fallas Concert.
- February 19: Traditional parade.
- February 25 to March 13: Ninot Exhibition.
- March 5 and 12: “Macro Despertà Popular” and “Albaes” nights.
- March 15 to 19: Planting of monuments, awards ceremony, Mascletàs, and other cultural events such as guided tours, costume balls and floral offerings.
March 15: Plantà Day
- All day: The “Plantà” of the fallas monuments takes place. This crucial day is when fallas artists and commission members work intensively to assemble the large and elaborate monuments that characterize the Fallas.
- 10:45 AM: The Falleras Mayores, Courts of Honor and the Local Fallas Board visit different commissions to see the progress on the fallas.
March 16: Awards Ceremony Day
- 10:45 AM: The Falleras Mayores and Courts of Honor continue visiting the commissions.
- 2:00 PM: Mascletà in front of the Renfe train station.
- 5:00 PM: Baptism ceremony at the Sant Josep church.
- 5:30 PM: Parade through the city.
- After the parade: Awards ceremony from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 12:00 AM: Musical performances and DJs at the Parc de la Festa.
March 17: Nit del Foc
- 10:30 AM: Visits by the Falleras Mayores and Courts of Honor to the commissions.
- 11:00 AM: “Gandia in Fallas” guided tour.
- 2:00 PM: Mascletà at the Renfe train station.
- 6:00 PM: Costume ball at the Casa de la Marquesa.
- 11:00 PM: Nit del Foc at Plaça del Tirant.
- 12:30 AM: Macro disco at Parc de la Festa.
March 18: Floral Offering
One of the most emotional moments is the Floral Offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, where the commissions parade to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to weave the Virgin’s mantle with flowers. The event culminates with a fireworks display.
- From 10:30 AM: The Falleras Mayores and Courts of Honor visit the commissions.
- 11:00 AM: “Gandia in Fallas” guided tour.
- 2:00 PM: Mascletà at the Renfe train station.
- 5:00 PM: Floral offering to the Virgin at the Plaza Mayor.
- 12:00 AM: Musical performances and DJs at different fallas venues.
March 19: ‘Cremà’ Day
The culmination of Fallas is the “Cremà”, the burning of the fallas. The children’s fallas are burned at 9:00 PM, followed by the adult fallas, and finally the winning falla of the special section at 1:30 AM.
- 11:00 AM: The Falleras Mayores and Courts of Honor visit the commissions.
- 12:00 PM: Solemn mass at the Sant Josep church.
- 2:00 PM: Mascletà at the Renfe train station.
- 5:30 PM: Procession in honor of Saint Joseph.
- 9:00 PM: Burning of the children’s fallas.
- From 11:00 PM: Burning of the adult fallas, followed by the fallas at different locations until 1:30 AM.
The order of the “Cremà”, the burning of the fallas in Gandia, for the year 2024 is the following:
March 19: ‘Cremà’
- 9:00 PM: The Cremà of the children’s fallas begins.
- From 11:00 PM: The Cremà of the adult fallas takes place, in this order:
- Roís de Corella Falla
- Escoles Pies Falla
- Serpis Falla
- Plaça Exèrcit Espanyol – Jardinet Falla
- Cristal Rei Falla
- Benirredrà Falla
- Plaça Mercat Falla
- Sant Nicolau Mosquit Falla
- Beniopa Falla
- Prado Falla
- From 12:00 AM: The Cremà continues with the following fallas:
- Alquerieta i Museu Faller Falla
- República Argentina Falla
- Carre Major i Passeig Falla
- Sant Josep Raval Falla
- El·líptica Falla
- Marqués de Campo Perú Falla
- Grau Falla
- Lluís Belda Falla
- Alquería Nova Falla
- Benipeixcar Falla
- From 1:00 AM: The Cremà of the last fallas:
- Sagrada Familia Corea Falla
- Màrtirs Falla
- At 1:30 AM: The burning of the winning falla of the special section takes place, which in this case is the Vilanova Falla monument.
This order shows how the Fallas of Gandia are burned in a carefully planned sequence, creating an impressive spectacle that extends throughout the night, culminating in the burning of the winning falla of the special section. Each of these “Cremàs” is an exciting and symbolic event, marking the end of the Fallas celebrations in Gandia.
How many fallas are there in Gandia?
Gandia is home to a total of 23 fallas, with 20 in the city, 2 in Grao de Gandia and 1 in Benirredrá. This diversity offers visitors a wide range of art and culture to explore.
In summary, the Gandia Fallas 2024 offer a unique mix of art, tradition, and festivities. From the plantà to the cremà, each day is filled with cultural activities, music, and fireworks, making this event an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Download the official brochure for the Gandia Fallas 2024