Surprise street procession

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.