Valencia's mega-party Las Fallas draws to a close on the Nit de Foc (night of fire), when the magnificent fallas (sculptures) are set to the torch amidst music and fireworks, and are burned to the ground. Traditionally that day marked the end of the old year and ushered in the new year for Valencians. Symbolically everything old was burned in a purification ritual as an offering to spring.
The prelude to burning the fallas is the Cabalgata del Fuego (Cavalcade of Fire), a spectacular parade of pyrotechnics like nothing I'd ever seen before. You couldn't get by with something like this in the U.S.! Safety hazard! As spectators crowded the sidewalks, devils danced down the street spinning huge sparklers, throwing sparks everywhere, including into the first row of onlookers and onto photographers who were in the way. I was enthralled. Then came a dragon spewing flames and sparks. What I loved most were the human fire breathers! Watch for them at 01:10 on the video. How do they do that? The parade concluded with a dazzling fireworks display at Porta de la Mar.
The prelude to burning the fallas is the Cabalgata del Fuego (Cavalcade of Fire), a spectacular parade of pyrotechnics like nothing I'd ever seen before. You couldn't get by with something like this in the U.S.! Safety hazard! As spectators crowded the sidewalks, devils danced down the street spinning huge sparklers, throwing sparks everywhere, including into the first row of onlookers and onto photographers who were in the way. I was enthralled. Then came a dragon spewing flames and sparks. What I loved most were the human fire breathers! Watch for them at 01:10 on the video. How do they do that? The parade concluded with a dazzling fireworks display at Porta de la Mar.
What an incredible night! Although I'm not a pyromaniac, I was spellbound by the fireworks and flames, and I'm excited about next year's Las Fallas celebration!
