Oliva: Las Fallas 2006
Although not well known around the world, Valencia's biggest festival, Las Fallas, is an astonishing and riotous week of huge fires that burn satirical figures, accompanied by loud explosions and colourful parades lead by marching bands called La Desperta. In honour of Saint Joseph it attracts more than two million people to Valencia and surrounding towns, like Oliva, who celebrate in style. Below are some photos take in Oliva during the festival 2006. It runs from the 15th to the 19th of March each year.
The star attractions of Las Fallas are the wonderful collection of ninotstakes, these are towering papier maché figures of politicians, film stars and people such as bullfighters. But anyone of local, national or international notoriety may find themselves wickedly and satirical caricatured. Neighbourhood association, El Casals, labour for months with the specialist artists and they raise money through the year to pay for their own statues. However, on the night of the 19th at midnight, the ninots are stuffed with fireworks, drenched in petrol and set alight in La Crema. Firemen, called Bombers, hose down the nearby buildings and sprinkle the fierce flames, while the naughty youths chant slogans about the fireman's sexuality in the hope that the cool water gets sprayed over them!
The daily Mascleta is a uniquely Valencian invention and proud phenomenon that takes place in towns such as Oliva and in the Valencia Plaza del Ayuntamiento main square every day from March 1-19. At 2 o'clock exactly, you’ll hear the Fallera Mayor of Valencia announce: “Señor Pirotécnico, enciende la mascletá.” Which loosely translates as “Mr. Fireworks Man, let the mascletá rip.” Although Valencia's display is louder and longer, Oliva's 5 day Mascleta is an impressive cacophony of fireworks explosions, rockets and firecrackers causing painful sonic booms. Generally lasting 10 minutes or more, the experience will leave you with gun powder and sulphur in your lungs and a loud ringing in your ears. Some people find the explosions so loud they faint, and you can feel the vibrations through the ground to your heart.
All of these images are internationally copyrighted by Ed Falkman and Della Drees. If you wish to use them please contact della@3scompany.co.uk. There is no charge, but only IF you ask and get approval and link to this page: http://www.spanishouse.co.uk
Click here to go the official page of Las Fallas
Click on Thumbnail to enlarge. Page 1 | Page 2
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