Dresses and jewellery, and traditional costumes

It is true that the Fallas festivity has brought about a resurgence of traditional Valencian costumes, bringing back styles from the 18th century rescued from rural treasure chests, second-hand shops and antique dealers. Valencia is the only city in Spain that still does silk weaving on manual looms. Delicate damasks, brocades and flowered silk cloth called “espolín” containing multiple colours intertwined with silver and gold thread combine to form a concert in textile fabrics. Only 20cm of flowered silk cloth can be woven in one day, usually at a cost of 2,000 to 250,000 euros per metre, and a dress normally requires from 10 to 12 metres. Luxury prevails everywhere one looks.

Dresses and jewellery, and traditional costumes

A beautiful outfit is complemented by abundant jewels and headdresses: combs, needles and clasps for hair done up in a bun, covered in gold, pearls and semi-precious stones; pendants, earrings, “joies” (brooches to hold the veil or shawl); pearls, emeralds and selenite, not to mention coral, are the preferred decorations.

Shops selling typical Valencian costumes and jewels – today all of them have Fallas adornments – are very attractive for visitors wanting to acquire a memento of the city and its major festivity. These costumes and jewels merited admiration many centuries ago from illustrious travellers such as Richard Ford, the Baron of Davillier, Alexander Dumas and Théophile Gautier.

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