Fallas de Valencia

As one of Spain’s most spectacular traditional festivals, Las Fallas is a massive re festivity largely celebrated in the Valencia community. Larger-than-life figures or puppets, known as ninots, are created from wood and papier mâché and paraded all over the city during the week leading to the Fallas. On the last day of the festival, these giant figures are set on re, lighting up the city in blazing heat. It is a special occasion in Valencia, so if you’re here in March, make sure you don’t miss it!

Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians)

Large-scale processions and ‘battles’ of the Moors and Christians take place all over the region, with the most impressive ones found in Alcoi, 11km (7 miles) south of Valencia. It is a ritual encounter between the foes of old times: the Moors and the Christians. The battles are re-enacted in full historic costume along the streets of Alcoi.

Fiesta de San Juan

The summer solstice is celebrated in full vigour in the Valencia community and this celebration is known as the Fiesta de San Juan. On the longest day of the year, the beach is dotted with bonfires and the skies are lit up with dazzling reworks. It is said that the res would give more strength to the sun, which loses energy after the summer solstice.

Feria de Julio

Every city or town in Spain has its own annual fair. These fairs, known as ferias, are flamboyant carnivals packed full of feasting, drinking and dancing. In Valencia, the feria is spread throughout the city, with cultural activities interspersed with performing arts spectacles.

La Tomatina

Famed as one of the craziest festivals in Spain, La Tomatina is a messy tomato fight that takes place in the town of Buñol, not far from Valencia. Thousands of participants come from all over Spain to Buñol to take part in this massive food fight. The festival begins with the palo jabón: where revellers aim to climb up a greasy pole with a jamón on top. Participants then spend a whole hour throwing tomatoes at one another; by the end of it, the whole town square is coloured red and rivers of tomato juice ow freely. Accommodation is extremely expensive during the festival, so be sure to book early.