Falles Vocabulary 101
Scent of gunpowder, aroma of Valencia during Falles
If you're going to experience the Falles, it´s a good idea to learn some of the language you are likely to hear! Many people think that only Spanish is spoken in Spain, but there are actually several unique languages, one of which is the beautiful Valencian language that you will learn some words of below!
Cridà
The cridà (literally "shout") is the announcement of the beginning of the Falles festival. It takes place at the Serrans towers, one of the original gates into the city from medieval times. The towers are lit up with designs that often feature colors and designs of the Valencian flag. There is a show of fireworks and everyone's excited for THE festival of the city.
Casal Faller
The headquarters of each neighborhood or association which constructs a falla. The casal faller decides what their falla will portray and how it will be designed. Many local events are held throughout the year to support these groups in the building of their fallas.
Ninot
The statue models which make up the fallas. There are small ones for children, and large ones that are the size of buildings. There is also an exhibition of the ninots where one is voted to become the ninot indultat
Ninot Indultat
Literally meaning "the pardoned ninot", the ninot which receives the most votes at the exhibition is spared from the flames and kept in a museum dedicated to the Falles.
Falla
The name for the completed structure.
Despertà
The "wake up call" for the city. Every day of Falles, brass bands walk down the street and play music in the mornings. They are followed by Falles participants who throw large firecrackers into the street.
Mascletà
Large firecrackers attached to string. The goal of the mascletà is to create a symphony of sound. Mascletaes follow a certain rhythm which leads up to a crescendo of sound that is designed to make the entire body tremble. I wrote an entire post about the art of the mascletà that talks about the history of this beloved tradition.
The largest ones happen in the main city plaza every afternoon during Falles, while there are smaller ones that happen on the side streets. Although most are designed only for sound, there are also mascletaes at night that feature colors.
Mascletaes happen beyond Falles as well. During holidays, celebrations, weddings, and much more. If there's a reason to celebrate (and there is always a reason to celebrate!), there will be mascletaes.
Senyor Pirotécnic, pot començar la mascletà!
Valencian for, "Mr. Pyrotechnician, you can start the mascleta!", announced by the falleras at the start of the mascletà in the city center.
La Plantà
The point on the 15 March when all of the fallas must be completed, or they will be disqualified.
Bunyol
Fried dough, usually made with pumpkin and with sugar sprinkled on top. They look like small donuts and are designed to be dipped in xocolatà.
Xocolatà
Hot chocolate! But the chocolate here is thick, like pudding. You dip bunyols and churros in it. Bunyols and xocolatà are traditional food enjoyed at Falles and you can find them everywhere.
Xè que bó!
Valencian for "that's great!" or "I like it!"
De categoría!
If something is de categoria, that means it's awesome!
Nit del Foc
Valencian for "night of fire", the Turia riverbed park turns into a haven for fireworks displays called castells del foc (castles of fire) during the 15-18 March. On the night of the 18 March is the Nit del Foc, the largest and most impressive display of all.
La Ofrenda
Held on the 18 March, a large statue of our city's patroness, Mare de Déu dels Desamparats (Our Lady of the Forsaken), is brought to her namesake plaza and members of each casal faller bring an offering of flowers. The flowers are artfully inserted into wooden beams below the statue to create her dress. It is impossible not to see this display and be overwhelmed with emotion.
Cavalcada del Foc
The final night of Falles, the 19 March, is host to the Cavalcada del Foc, or parade of fire. During this parade, there are exhibitions and homages to all rites and rituals around the world that use fire. Yes, we are a bunch of pyromaniacs. :)
La Cremà
The final night of Falles, the falla sculptures are adored with fireworks and lit. The childrens' fallas are done first, and then each falla is burned close to midnight. The largest one, in the main city plaza, is burned last so that everyone can watch it. So much heat is created during this time that buildings near the Ajuntament (city hall) have been drenched with water to prevent them from igniting.
There's a lot of dancing and revelry during this time and of course, more fireworks!
I hope this post has given you some insight into the Falles and the culture around it!