During the day are mascletàs: a heart-racing, ear-deafening daytime firecracker spectacular. Artists prepare their sculptural masterpieces, (or fallas), from March 1 through March 15. From March 15-19, a series of special celebrations take place: beginning with La Plantà and ending with La Cremà. On March 15, all of the fallas are uncovered and put on display by the artists. March 17 and 18 celebrate la Virgen de los Desamparados, or the Lady of the Forsaken, the patron saint of València. A massive wooden sculpture of the Lady is then covered in real flowers.
On the 19th, all of the fallas, except for one (that is salvaged), are burned to ashes! This symbolizes the burning of the old and a welcome to the new spring season.
Throughout the year in València, you can enjoy traditional dishes of paella (featuring seafood from València’s coast), or churros (doughnut strips)- churro stands are everywhere!!!
One treat particularly special in València is Orxata (or-cha-tuh). This is a drink not to be confused with Mexican horchata. Spanish orxata features chufas, or tigernuts, a prime export of València. It is very refreshing and has a gentle flavour. Horchata, on the other hand is made of sweetened rice and cinnamon.
Do not be fooled by the name tiger[nut]. Tigernuts are actually tubers, a type of root vegetable! València’s climate is perfect for growing them.
