As the sunny days of summer start to wind down, residents and visitors of the Costa Blanca eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall. And while the cooler temperatures and colorful foliage are certainly reasons to celebrate, there is one event that truly captures the essence of autumn in this region - the Valencia Fallas Festival.
This week-long celebration, also known as Las Fallas, is a time for locals to gather, indulge in traditional food and drink, and honor the city’s patron saint - Saint Joseph. And when it comes to culinary delights, there is nothing quite like indulging in the ultimate Spanish rice dish - paella.
Originating in Valencia, paella is a staple of Spanish cuisine and has become a worldwide favorite. But for those lucky enough to attend the Fallas Festival, they are in for a treat as they witness the paella perfection that takes place during this annual event.
The Fallas Festival kicks off with a bang on the evening of September 15th, with the lighting of impressive papier-mâché sculptures that tower over the streets and squares of Valencia. Throughout the week, these sculptures, or “fallas,” are displayed and admired by visitors, while also being judged in a competition.
But it’s not just the spectacular art that draws in the crowds - it’s the food. And at the heart of the festival, you’ll find streets lined with stalls selling traditional dishes, including the beloved paella.
Made with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, rabbit, seafood, and vegetables, paella is a dish that brings people together. It’s a communal meal, typically served in a large pan and shared among friends and family.
At the Fallas Festival, you can expect to find different versions of paella, each one cooked to perfection by local chefs and home cooks. From the classic Valencian paella, with its distinctive saffron-colored rice and tender rabbit, to seafood paella, bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean, there is a paella for every palate.
And what better backdrop to indulge in this delectable dish than in the heart of Valencia, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the Fallas Festival? As you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to foodie heaven, with the savory flavors and aromas of the paella tantalizing your taste buds.
As the festival comes to a close on September 19th, the climax of the event takes place - the burning of the fallas. This symbolic