Processions are part of the Valencian culture. I've seen more processions here than I ever saw in the United States. These processions range from religious events to politically-motivated parades, and everything in between. We have seen bridal parties visiting Valencia on bachelorette weekends with both musicians and what was basically an emcee to maintain the celebration. We've been caught up in historical reenactment events that swept through just as we were walking by.
So it wasn't too much of a surprise when I heard distinctive noise outside our apartment on the street. Our street is usually quiet and a little apart from most of the excitement that infects the city periodically. What our street does have is a Casal Faller right across from where we live. And that's cause enough for celebration throughout the year for various reasons.
I've posted several things about casals fallers here and here. They are often pretty vibrant community centers, with events, fund-raising celebrations, and, of course, sponsors of their neighborhood falla in March. The casal across the street is fairly tame, although they have put together several street parties that included live music, bonfires, and fireworks. Those are great reasons to find a dinner out with friends, but by the next morning, everything has been returned to its proper order. (Frankly, I have to admire the clean-up efforts that occur after every fallas celebration!)
That means that sometimes there are events that are part of a public display right here on our street. One Saturday morning, I heard the approaching sound of traditional Valencian music. I looked out onto the street, and sure enough, there was a fallas procession happening right where I live. I grabbed my camera, but got a few shots from a distance. This morning procession ended at the casal across the street, and that meant I saw the final few meters of the falleras, falleros, and musicians as they ended their journey on a beautiful Saturday morning.
Unexpected street procession
Unexpected street procession
Unexpected street procession
xequebo xiquet ; )
That looks fantastic, as does the weather, I do love the craftmanship that goes into the dresses…
I agree, it was a fun thing to catch, even from a distance. Yes, I am continually impressed by the skill that is needed to create the Fallas dresses. We have a couple of friends who are clothing and jewelry designers, and they are very, very busy leading up to Las Fallas.
Very cool. We experienced that in Barcelona, just wandering around and ran smack into a huge procession. It was probably scheduled, as it was very elaborate, but it was a pure surprise and delight to us. Hope I get to experience something like that in Valencia next month!
I'll email you the address where I am staying and get your opinion on the neighborhood..
Salud,
Scott
Hi, Scott, and thanks for the comment! Yes, who knows what you will see when you come visit the city… Happy holidays!
Very cool. We experienced that in Barcelona, just wandering around and ran smack into a huge procession. It was probably scheduled, as it was very elaborate, but it was a pure surprise and delight to us. Hope I get to experience something like that in Valencia next month!
I'll email you the address where I am staying and get your opinion on the neighborhood..
Salud,
Scott
Sounds like fun! Glad you were able to get some pictures as that gave me a visual of the processions. I’m happy to see you’re writing your blogs again. Hope you and Nathan are doing well, and have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Elaine! I hope you and the family are doing well, and have a fantastic Christmas! I’m sure we will talk in the new year!