Post Fallas

Life has gotten back to a normal state here in Valencia now that Las Fallas is in the rear view. I heard it when I got here and now know it to be true - "You don't want to miss Las Fallas, it's once in a lifetime, but once is plenty!" The experience is almost indescribable. I'll start with the sweet stuff: impromptu processions (everywhere!) of small bands, dancers and the most beautiful women, men and children in the most beautiful costumed finery at what seems every turn; music is everywhere, at all times, including at 2:30 in the morning; smaller and then massive and colorful "sculptures", the fallas and ninots themselves, crafted by artisans throughout much of the year, at a cost of a half-million euro in some cases;

................And then, of course, the constant barrage of fireworks, no, explosives, at every turn, all day and all night long. Heralded by the daily 2pm Mascletas experience in Placa Ayuntamiente;............................ https://www.facebook.com/reel/1986263375622984................click on this, it's worth it............................................................................................................................................................ And then, they burn (see top photo)...to ash...on little islands of sand and/or gravel...on the night of La Crema. And the next day, as if by magic, each placa that hosted a fire the night before is back to a pre-Fallas normal - not a shred of evidence of the riotous fires the night before. And Spring has arrived in Valencia.