Gremio Artistas Falleros foto:Ciberfallas.com
The enormous number of professionals that depend directly or indirectly on the Fallas Fiesta gives an idea of how large and important it has become for the city.
The role of the “artista fallero” or Fallas artist should be highlighted. This professional is more than a sculptor of huge figures, more than a painter, and more than a carpenter. In fact, the “artista fallero” is a kind of “total artist” who plans the monument in his mind and then gives it shape, assisted by his own team of specialists..
An “artista fallero” also tends to have his or her own personal style, a sign
Gremio Artistas Falleros foto:Ciberfallas.com
of identity that can always be identified in their work, differentiating them from other craftsmen in the same sector.
One of the most interesting places to visit to get a better idea of these artists’ work is, without a doubt, the “Ciudad del Artista Fallero”. This comprises the largest number of huge workshops where the Fallas monuments are constructed. The whole year round, it sees a frenzy of ongoing work and it is common to find dozens of curious onlookers, interested in seeing for themselves how a Falla is made.
Apart from the “artista fallero”, there are other professions associated directly with the fiesta: there are regional shops, jewellers, hairdressers specialized in the Valencian hairstyle, shoe shops, textile factories (particularly those making silk), fireworks manufacturers, etc.
The monuments’ construction also involves the participation of painters, sculptors, carpenters, writers, poets… many of them specialized in “Fallas Art”.
Workshop fallero Foto:Lázaro de la Peña
Another clear sign of the interest aroused by the fiesta is the fact that the media (both local and national) have specialist reporters who cover any news to do with the fiesta.
fallas from Valencia
