Discover everything about the Crida: the beginning of the Fallas

In a few weeks, Valencians' favourite festivals will begin: the faults.

During the month of March, the streets of Valencia are filled with spectacular and colorful Fallas monuments.

The smell of gunpowder and churros with chocolate permeates the entire city. 

The good atmosphere is perceived in every street. There is no place in the world with more joy and revelry than in Valencia during the Fallas.

There is a reason they are recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest by UNESCO and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

¿When are the Valencia Fallas 2024? The most important week is 15 al 19 March.

But today we are not here to talk to you about the Fallas as such, for that we already have our article on The Fallas of Valencia, where we explain its origins and What are the Fallas?.

Today we are going to talk to you about the event that begins this very important festival: the Crida in Valencia.

We will tell you everything about this day, such as its origins and meaning, when and where it is celebrated and the main events.

If you are going to be in Valencia at the end of FebruaryRead this article and find out about one of the most popular events for all Valencians.

In addition to enjoying the holidays, there is also time to to study Spanish, Right?

En Hispania, escuela de español you can learn the language through our Spanish courses. 

And if you want to get an official certificate, we also do DELE and SIELE preparation courses.

But today we are not here to talk about exams, but about parties.

Do you want to know what the Crida is and why it is such a beloved day in Valencia? 

Well... ¡Sigue leyendo!

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Meaning of the Crida

What is the Crida?

La Crida is the event that gives rise to the beginning of the Fallas of Valencia. 

This celebration is full of tradition, music and color, creating a festive and exciting atmosphere throughout the city.

Thousands of Valencians gather to celebrate this festival and respond to the call of the mayor of Valencia and the major falleras adult and child.

The mayor of Valencia hands the keys to the city to the fallera mayor, as a symbol that the Fallas come to the city.

Together they give a speech of joy and pride before the citizens to give rise to the beginning of the Fallas with pyrotechnic shows, music and lots of partying.

When is the Crida? 

The Crida of Fallas is celebrated every year in last sunday of february and its schedule is usually at 19.00:XNUMX p.m.

This year the Crida of Fallas 2024 took place on 25 Sunday of February.

Where is the Crida celebrated?

Crida It has its origins in 1931, when the first proclamation was held presided over by Ángeles Algarra Azura, considered the first Fallera Queen in history. 

In the first decades, the Crida was held in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. 

Starting in 1954 moved to the imposing Torres de Serrano, one of the most emblematic monuments of Valencia.

Since then, the place of celebration of the Crida remains in this place. It has become the Plaza de la Crida in Valencia.

The main act of the Crida is the opening proclamation to the Fallas by the falleras and the mayor from the Torres de Serrano.

However, on Crida Day there are more celebrations that take place throughout the day.

Next we are going to see each of the acts that make it up with their schedules.

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Programming of the Crida events

La crida programming of this year 2024 is the following:

• 06:30 h. Prayer of the major falleras here in Valencia.

The Fallas in Valencia also have their religious traditions such as these prayers or the Offering to the Virgin on March 17 and 18.

These prayers of the major falleras are made to Santa Bárbara in the Church of Sant Joan del Hospital.

• 07:15 h.  Children's Awakening by La Petardería. 

In the awakenings, children throw loud firecrackers through the streets to wake up the neighbors and announce to them that we are already in Fallas 😁.

• 07:30h.  Macrodespertà through the city downtown.

It will end in the Town Hall Square with a great bang under the Valencian Fireworks. Afterwards, a Fallas breakfast will be offered to all participants.

• 12:00 p.m. Entry of Bands on the streets. 

This is another of the interesting characteristics of the Fallas, the number of musical orchestras that parade through the streets playing with their instruments and brightening the atmosphere. It's magnificent!

• 14:00 h. Mascletà In the town hall square. 

On February 25, the first mascletà. This event is repeated every day from March 1 to 19 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 14.00:XNUMX p.m.

It is one of the most iconic acts What is done in the Fallas of Valencia. Thousands of people gather in the square to enjoy a spectacle of thunderous noise and fireworks for a few minutes. 

If you are in Valencia in March, you have to attend at least one mascletà, it's quite an experience!

• 19:00 h. Crida in the Serranos Towers. 

People attend Torres de Serrano to see the official announcement of the Fallas. After the emotional speech, it always sounds anthem of Valencia and Spain. 

When listening to these hymns, all Valencians are silent and listen attentively. It is one of the most emotional moments of the celebration.

Right after, the Fallera Mayor of Valencia says the mythical phrase in Valencian: 

"Valencians and Valencians, let us be in Falles!"

In Spanish it means:

«Valencians, we are already in Fallas!» 

After this long-awaited declaration, the shows begin. Fireworks, lights and concerts in the Serrano Towers.

This party usually lasts until night, around 22.00:XNUMX p.m. 

Now you know what La Crida is, how and where it is celebrated. We encourage you to attend this celebration and enjoy it. 

It becomes very with enjoyable and fun, whether you are from Valencia or another city or country.

The speech lasts little and immediately begins the great party with music in the Torres de Serrano, one of the most beautiful places in Valencia.

Furthermore, surely the atmosphere is very lively, full of young people wanting to party.

Do you know where there is also a great atmosphere with young people? In Hispania, escuela de español.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn Spanish and enjoy the Fallas at the same time.

Visit Valencia in Fallas It is quite an experience. Live it!

If you have any questions or want to give your opinion about the day of the Crida or about the Fallas, do not hesitate to write your comment.

We will be very happy to answer you 😊.

Enjoy the best parties in the world!

Article written by Carlos Martínez for Hispania, escuela de español.