Do You Know the Origin of the Fallas?
The Fallas of Valencia, known as Falles in Valencian, are a traditional festival held from 14 to 19 March. The children’s plantà takes place on the 14th, and the cremà on the 19th. But what is the origin of the Fallas? Its history is richer and older than it seems.
In short: Valencia’s Fallas began in the late 18th century as Josephine festivities honouring Saint Joseph, patron of carpenters, who burned their old junk and wood shavings on bonfires — the origin of the cremà that still closes the festival every 19 March.
What Is the Origin of the Fallas?
Its origin dates back to the late 18th century. The festival honours Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters — a guild that held great importance in the city of Valencia. Originally known as the fiestas josefinas (Josephine festivities), it officially begins on the last Sunday of February with the crida, a kind of proclamation. On the eve of Saint Joseph’s Day, bonfires were traditionally lit to open the celebrations, in a practice known as the cremà.
According to a popular version of this origin, carpenters would burn old junk and leftover wood shavings from their workshops. This tradition symbolised a clean sweep ahead of spring. They are also said to have burned wooden frames called parots, once used for hanging oil lamps but no longer needed in the warmer months. Over the years, the festival has grown into a major tourist attraction, and has been declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.
From Bonfires to Ninots
This account, however, contrasts with the carpenters’ guild’s historical records. These mention only the religious celebrations of 19 March, with no reference to the burning of fallas. Some studies therefore suggest an even older origin, linked to pagan fire rituals. Similar theories have also been proposed for other Spanish festivals, such as the bonfires of Saint John (San Juan) or Saint Anthony (San Antón).
The first documented mention of the Fallas dates back to 1777. It was not until 1848, though, that continuous references to the festival began appearing in print. Over time, the tradition of burning parots and other junk gradually changed. Carpenters started dressing the parots in clothes, giving them a human shape and using them as a form of satire and social criticism. This evolution eventually gave rise to what we now know as ninots — figures that have grown ever more elaborate and, in some cases, have become genuine works of art.
Traditional Dress
The fallera costume has a long history, dating back to the 16th century. Originally, it was simply working clothes worn by countrywomen. Over the centuries, however, it evolved into a far more elegant garment, worn on special occasions. Several variants exist: an 18th-century style with French influences, for example, and a 19th-century style known as farolet, named for its lantern-shaped sleeves. As for the hairstyle, women typically wear a bun at the back of the head. This is set off with ornamental combs and adornments reminiscent of the Lady of Elche.
Traditional men’s dress also includes several options. Among them is the saragüell, a garment that appears in Muslim texts as early as the 10th century. There is also the torrentí costume, characterised by tighter-fitting trousers and a waistcoat or short jacket. The outfit is completed with various neckerchiefs, coifs and hats, which vary according to the occasion.
The Fallas of Valencia began as a festival linked to the carpenters’ guild. Over time, however, they have evolved into one of the city’s most emblematic celebrations, with a huge influence on Valencian culture.
At our museum you can discover the space we dedicate to this Valencian tradition — the Silk Road Room. It traces the silk route ending in Valencia, home to the fabric used for fallera costumes. Come and admire the incredible figures that complete our collection.
The costumes and Valencian tradition come to life in miniature within our collection of toy soldiers. It spans more than 100,000 pieces, from Antiquity to the 20th century.
You can see them at the Malferit Palace, in the historic centre of Valencia.
Buy your ticket and discover history in miniature →
About the Author
Alejandro Noguera Borel — Director of the Museo L’Iber and the Fundación Libertas 7. In the world of toy soldiers since the 1970s.
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