On 4th, 5th, 10th and 11th of this month, one of the most keenly anticipated events will be taking place; the International Music Band Competition, which has been held for over 120 years. A total of 27 bands, 23 of which are competing and the other four appearing as guest acts, will be performing at the Opera House and Bullring.

From 2nd until 25th July, you have the chance to see live performances by Fangoria, La Excepción, Chambao, Bumbury, Joan Manel Serrat, Miguel Bosé & The Cabriolets, Amaral, Anastacia, Yan Tiersen and James Taylor. But there’s even more: following the success of last year, on 18th July, the biggest night of the Fair, known as the Gran Nit de Juliol, will be bringing you a wide variety of cultural acts and entertainment, whilst the city’s museums and art galleries will remain open from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with free entry.

Furthermore, on 11th July, the second Ballroom Dancing Competition will be taking place in the Plaza de la Virgen square, and on the last Sunday of the month, the traditional flower show, known as the ‘Batalla de Flores’ (literally flower battle) will fill the Paseo de la Alameda boulevard with light and colour. In July… don’t even think about leaving Valencia!

http://www.feriadejulio.com

[View with PicLens]

Later, in the XIX Century, this custom transferred to the city. This can be verified, as the first documented history of these simple bonfires goes back to the year 1822, with an edict issued by the Mayor which ordered: “…that bonfires were not to be made in the streets and by no means were firecrackers to be let off, on the night of San Juan and the following nights, subject to a fine of 20 to 100 Reales.”

The corresponding edict was not issued in 1881, and according to a newspaper of the time, “…After the festivities began with the verbena de San Juan (a dance held in the streets), the peaceful inhabitants were allowed to let off firecrackers, and light bonfires to their heart’s content.” Taking advantage of the fact that it was no longer forbidden, neighbours from the same streets gathered together and started what was known as festes de carrer (street parties), with popular games, music and the appearance of the forerunners of the ninots (satirical ornamental figures). These neighbourhood bonfires continued in spite of the constant bans.

In 1928 the association called Alicante Atracción, was created, to encourage tourism to the city. With this aim in mind, the Town Hall gave them the authority to organize the first hogueras de San Juan festivities on an official basis. Within a few years, there were more than thirty Hogueras, and in 1932 the maximum representation of the Festivity was established, Bellesa del Foc (The Beauty Queen of Fire).

The present-day Hogueras

Las Hogueras de San Juan effigies have been declared Festivities of International Tourist Interest and they are the most important festivity in the City of Alicante.

Nowadays, nearly 90 hogueras(huge effigies to be burnt) are set up in the city of Alicante, and there are more than ten thousand direct participants of the Festivity, in which the Comisiones de Hogueras (committees in charge of each particular effigy) and Comisiones de Barracas. (committees who control the open-air spaces with bars, dance areas and tables and chairs) play an important role. These festivities are also held in other towns in the Region of Valencia, mainly in the province of Alicante, such as Benidorm, Torrevieja or Xàbia, but also in Nules, in the province of Castellón, as an exception.

Among the main acts, we must single out the plantà (setting up) of the hogueras and barracas, las mascletaes, (firecrackers) the parades, the offering of flowers, la cremà and the firework displays, from the 25th onwards.

Many streets in the centre of Alicante will be no-through roads because of la plantà de las Hogueras,

• (the huge effigies are placed in the streets), therefore we recommend that you park on the outskirts of the city and make your way to the centre on foot. Once in the city centre, there is a free bus service will take you round all the hogueras effigies that belong to the special section of the festivity.
• The chairs that line the streets where the parades and processions pass can be hired out. If they are vacant, you can sit there for a reasonable price.
• Wear comfortable footwear because you are going to be doing a lot of walking if you want to see all the Hogueras.
• If the noise gets too much, open your mouth, and don’t cover your ears, which make it worse.
• If you get too close to a mascletà (letting off lots of firecrackers in unison), apart from the noise you could get covered with tiny pieces of coloured paper which come from the exploded firecrackers. Stand with your back to the wind, you will avoid the smoke and the bits of paper.
• Always respect the safety perimeter distance marked out.
• Don’t miss the spectacular palmera (palm tree, from the shape the fireworks make in the sky) firework displays that are set off from the summit of the Santa Bárbara castle at 12 midnight and which signals the start of the “Nit del Foc” (burning of the effigies).
• No Hogueras festivity would be complete without the “coca amb tonyina” (a tuna pastry) and “bacores” (early figs). Tradition states that the savoury pastry and the figs were the typical welcoming meal offered to those who helped to set up the hoguera effigy in the “plantà”, and it is a meal that is enjoyed throughout the Festivities to this day.
• Make a note of the meaning of some of the special terms of these festivities so you don’t miss out on anything:
  • Plantà: this is when the hogueras effigies are set up. This usually takes place on the night of the 20th or the 21st.
  • Cremà: the act of burning the effigy.
  • Mascletà: a spectacular daytime firecracker display.
  • Palmera: a grand firework spectacle of lights and colours that is set off from the Santa Bárbara castle, which signals the start of the burning of the hogueras of the city.
  • Despertà: Music in the street at 8 a.m. in the morning, to remind the local inhabitants that the festivities are being celebrated.
  • Barraca o racó fogueril: A meeting place of the commissions of a hoguera and their invited guests.
  • Bellesa del Foc: Beauty Queen of the festivities chosen from amongst the queens from the various districts of the city.
  • Banyà: This is very popular custom among the younger element of the public, and refers to the soaking they receive from the firefighters during the burning of the effigies.
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  Tags: advice, enjoy, festivity, fully, hogueras, john, saint
  ]]> http://www.ciberfallas.net/news/advice-to-enjoy-fully-las-hogueras-festivity-saint-john-2009/feed/ 0 http://www.ciberfallas.net/information/things-one-should-do-during-fallas/ http://www.ciberfallas.net/information/things-one-should-do-during-fallas/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:37:38 +0000 papaoso http://www.ciberfallas.net/?p=472

  Nou Campanar photo: ciberfallas

  * Go around and see the various fallas, but especially the Sección Especial

  * Pay to enter one of the bigger fallas to get a closer look at the individual ninots.
  * See la mascletà and the la nit de foc
  * See one of the various parades especially the ofrenda
  * See the virgin made of flowers
  * Buy churros or buñelos at one of the many stands on the street.
  * Go to one of the temporary bar/nightclubs set up on the street and dance all night long.

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  Tags: Fallas, should
  ]]> http://www.ciberfallas.net/information/things-one-should-do-during-fallas/feed/ 0 http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/get-out/ http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/get-out/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:28:20 +0000 papaoso http://www.ciberfallas.net/?p=467 * Take a day trip to the Albufera to see this fresh water lake and the surrounding area where rice is grown. The Albufera is also known to host an interesting variety of migratory birds. The local village in the area, El Palmar, is also a good place to try paella and other local dishes.
  * Take a trip to the beaches of Saler. These beaches are on “protected” land and are the cleanest and most secluded beaches near the city. Accessible by bus but complicated. A round-trip taxi ride should cost between 10€-20€, depending on how far along the beach you go.

  * Manises, fifteen kilometers soutwest of Valencia, is not only the site of Valencia’s airport but also an important center for pottery. Some 100 ceramics factories are in the municipality, where the art has been practiced for 700 years. At the MCM museum there are exhibitions about the history of ceramics in the area.

  * Rent a car and do a day trip to any number of picturesque villages or small cities in the region, including  Chulilla, Sot de Chera, Xátiva, Sagunto, among others.

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  No tags for this post.]]> http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/get-out/feed/ 0 http://www.ciberfallas.net/what-to-do/other-events/ http://www.ciberfallas.net/what-to-do/other-events/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:15:20 +0000 papaoso http://www.ciberfallas.net/?p=463 On the last Wednesday of August nearby Buñol hosts La Tomatina, a festival that involves thousands of participants throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. Make sure you wear clothes that you can throw out afterwards, as it gets very messy.

  European Grand Prix. Street circuit of August

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  No tags for this post.]]> http://www.ciberfallas.net/what-to-do/other-events/feed/ 0 http://www.ciberfallas.net/information/when-to-come-language/ http://www.ciberfallas.net/information/when-to-come-language/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:09:08 +0000 papaoso http://www.ciberfallas.net/?p=458 When to come
  • Summer – Like most European countries, August is a slow month as many of the residents are on vacation. At this time of year Valencia is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging between 30º-40º Celsius.
  • Fall – September and October are more active months and the weather permits beach outings. Sidewalk cafes are still open until around the end of October.
  • Winter – Though temperatures are still relatively mild, it´s too cold to sunbathe at the beach.
  • Spring – a lovely time to visit. The annual Fallas de San José unofficially mark the beginning of spring. Cafes and restaurants open their terraces and life spills out onto the street once again.

  Language

  Valencia’s official languages are Valencian and Spanish. In the capital of Valencia, which is the third largest city in Spain, very few people only speak Valencian and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valenciano is often preferred. As in Barcelona, with Catalan, it helps to be sensitive to this language dynamic. You have some Spanish language schools in Valencia, Lingua Valencia for example. Some people also speak Catalan, and/or Balearic. English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Most people under 35 speak some English, and some quite a bit, but most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish (or Valencian). French may be spoken or understood by some.

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  No tags for this post.]]> http://www.ciberfallas.net/information/when-to-come-language/feed/ 0 http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/1-understand-o-11-when-to-come-o-12-language-o-13-learn-2-get-in-o-21-by-plane-o-22-by-train-o-23-by-bus-o-2/ http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/1-understand-o-11-when-to-come-o-12-language-o-13-learn-2-get-in-o-21-by-plane-o-22-by-train-o-23-by-bus-o-2/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:05:24 +0000 papaoso http://www.ciberfallas.net/?p=453 By plane

  Valencia Airport (VLC) is 9 km from the city center. The bus to Tùria station departs every 11 minutes and takes about 30-40 minutes. Additionally there is the Aerobus which goes directly to the city center, but costs a bit more. Local trains run every 20 minutes. Subway goes directly to the town centre from the Airport.

  Valencia is served by Iberia, Spanair, Clickair, AirBerlin, TuiFly, Lagunair, Ryanair, Vueling and several other airlines.

  By train

  Many trains come from Madrid (eg: Alaris), Barcelona (eg: Euromed or ARCO) and many other cities. The main train station Estacion del Norte is located in the center of the city, nearby the Town Hall. Travel time by train from Barcelona Sants is about 3.5 hours.

  The national train company is RENFE. You can check tickets and book online. The first time you buy a ticket online, you have to collect it from a station and show ID, the ‘localizer’ ticket code, and the credit card itself. Ticket staff are unlikely to speak much English. Saying in Castellano “Quiero recogerlo” (I want to collect it) and showing your documents should work. The big stations have a system where you get a number and then sit back and wait your turn.

  By bus

  There are also many buses coming from almost every big city in Spain and most of the cities in the Valencia region. The bus station is located by the river in Valencia, about fifteen minutes walk from the center.

  By boat

  Direct ferry routes exist between Valencia and Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Mahon.

  Get around

  For train and bus transport it is possible to buy bonos in kiosks and tobacco shops. Both Bonobus and Bonometro allow for 10 rides. If you want to use two lines to reach your destination, you have to use a B-T.
  By bicycle

  Renting a bike is increasingly becoming a popular way for visitors to explore this essentially flat city.

  By foot

  Aside from going to the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the hub of the city requires no public transportation. Much of this city can be done walking, stopping for a coffee or a beer and then walking more, all very leisurely. It´s not necessary to have the mindset of mastering a complex public transportation system. However, for longer trips, see below for some pointers.
  By train

  The Metro Valencia consists of 4 lines (from which 1 is a tramway to the beach) and connects the suburbs with the city. This metro system is not extensive but can get you to major points within the city. If you want to get the tram, you have to buy a ticket from the machine, then validate it, before you get on the tram.
  By car
  By bus

  EMT runs buses to virtually every part of the city

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  Tags: boat, bus, car, foot, Get in, metro, plane, train
  ]]> http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/1-understand-o-11-when-to-come-o-12-language-o-13-learn-2-get-in-o-21-by-plane-o-22-by-train-o-23-by-bus-o-2/feed/ 0 http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/recommendations/ http://www.ciberfallas.net/general/recommendations/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:35:06 +0000 papaoso http://www.ciberfallas.net/?p=302 If you are coming to Valencia for the first time in Fallas, you will probably think it is total chaos, you won’t know where to sleep if you haven’t booked in advance, how to get here, where you can park, or even when the shops open while the fiesta is on.
  
  The whole area of the historical centre is closed off to traffic with the construction of the Fallas, the “mascletas” fireworks, the award ceremonies, the parades and other events, so it is not at all advisable to use your car to get around Valencia when the Fallas Festival is in full swing.
  Traffic jams can block whole avenues for hours, especially around nightfall. The best thing to do is use public transport, taxis, the underground, the bus or the local trains if you are coming from nearby towns.

  In the city centre it’s best to get around on foot.

  If you come from outside by car, the best thing is to leave it in a well-known place if you know the city, or in a car park, and gat around using urban transport.

  Remember not to leave any valuable objects inside your car, or anything in view. Don’t park in the darkest, most secluded corner.
  Like any festival with crowds of people, there are pickpockets. We recommend that you don’t carry large sums of money or important documents. Make a photocopy of your identity document and that should be enough. Leave everything else at the hotel.

  Another big factor is the Valencian weather at this time of year. Spring is always hot and temperatures are high in the middle of the day, although it’s a good idea to take warm clothing for the dawns.
  Showers of rain are also common, so you ought to carry a raincoat or umbrella.

  If you plan to stay at a hotel, inn or hostel, you should book as early as possible as most of them are 100% full up during festival time.

  fallasfromvalencia.com

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  Tags: Fallas, falles, Recommendations, Valencia
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