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Fallas
This celebration, which many compare its importance to the Rio Carnival, takes place during the week of San José (19th March) in the Valencian Community. In Alzira, in particular, just a few minutes from La Toreta Bed & Breakfast, Fallas has had the merit of being declared a National Day of tourist interest. The 70 Fallas, giant monuments made from cardboard on a wooden structure, stand at a height of over several hundred feet and are found at major intersections of the city streets, they also attach criticisms and ironic remarks about events throughout the year. The Fallas festival begins with the celebration of an act called “The Cridà” and lasts for a week. Each day is marked with the sounds of traditional music, processions, falleras and falleros dressed in their beautiful traditional costumes of fabric with rich silk colors and patterns. Each falla is accompanied by orchestras, fireworks launched on the street and the famous Mascletà each day at 2o’clock throughout the week. There is a distinctive odour in the air of paella wood fires and burning gun powder which announces the joy of all the festive meals. The Fallas has always been associated with fire as a ritual act of symbolizing the renewal of spring, the destruction of the old left overs cleared away for the new. One of the best known popular stories of fallas could be that of the carpenters of Valencia, they collected all wood chips and waste that had accumulated and made a giant bonfire to celebrate the day of its patron Saint Joseph.
Sueca International Fair of Mime
The International Fair of Mime begins after Sueca’s local patron saint festivities finish, about the middle of September. About thirty thousand people get together every year to enjoy the art, gestures and movement of mime. The popularity and prestige of this international event is honoured by the presence of the most prestigious and innovative theater companies in the world.
The Algemesi Muixeranga
The first documentary reference of the Algemesi Muixeranga comes from 1733. Since then it has been celebrated every year in the ‘Mare de Deu de la Salut’ festivities in September. Ceremonial human towers, dance and music, the Muixeranga, is a clear reflection of the strength of people committed to their festival tradition and cultural heritage.
The International Paella Competition
The International Valencian Paella Competition is held every year in September, after the local annual festivities. Chefs from around the world and the local area demonstrate their skills to make the best paella and compete for the title of the best paella in the world.
This year they were many from Spain but they also came from New Zealand, USA, France, Japan, England and Germany.
The winners for 2013 were:
Posada Real , Santa María del Campo Rus ( Cuenca)
Restaurante Casa Picanterra , Cullera (Valencia )
Chambao Restaurant , Miami (USA)
See them prepare the paellas outdoors over a fire orange tree wood, in a festive atmosphere is an exceptional experience not to be missed.
