30 October 2010

The 'fallas': 15 to 19 March

The Fallas ("Falles" as stated traditionally, in Valencian) is a festival held from 15 to 19 March in some cities and towns of Valencia (Spain), mainly including Valencia and Alcira, are held in honor St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters. It is classified as a festival of international tourist interest. The fault name corresponding to the artistic buildings of combustible materials as a whole, representing figures known as 'ninots' and compositions of elements.
Throughout history, the materials have evolved, but traditionally, these ninots were paper, cardboard and wood. Currently the figures are more voluminous white cork, allowing lighter forms and larger.



Maybe it's a good idea to bear out the wikipedia in English or google-translated Spanish Wikipedia  If you are planning to visit Valencia on these dates.

In the North Station and the town square planned gifts usually have stewards with information on "Fallas" (indicate which are the "Fallas" and the prizes they have won each of them.)

Furthermore, in the town square, is made every day, the "mascletá" one of the largest fireworks displays in Europe and probably in the world, and one or two nights before burning these monuments of cardboard and cork, is made "la nit del foc", a nightly fireworks show over half an hour.

Valencia map

Here you have a map of the city center of Valencia, with the historic buildings you can visit marked. It further indicates the parking, some hotels, two shopping centers 'El Corte Ingles' and the underground line that is below the old town.


I also attached a pdf file downloadable map. I do not recommend printing it, is to consult with a laptop or a modern mobile phone.

Download Map.

28 October 2010

Coming to Valencia



Going into Valencia from the North Station

You are in the city center, in the most important Train Station in the town. I suggest you use the bus, the metro, or ask a taxi to bring you to the hotel (if you have booked one) and think how to start your visit from there.



Valencia Train Nort Station






Another option, just before going to the hotel, is to approach a tourist information point and ask some maps in your language, it allows you to find most important places of Valencia that may be of interest. You will find a Tourist Info place in the town hall or in the town hall square. The City Hall is 5 minutes walk away from North Station, in north direction.



Valencia city hall and town center square


Going into Valencia from Port, or from Airport.

I suggest you ask a taxi to the city center or to your hotel (if you have booked one) and think how to start your visit from there.
Valencia airport.

Going into Valencia by car.

I suggest you follow the sign that says "Centro de Ciudad" to get to the City Hall. If you have a GPS maybe it's a good idea using it to reach your hotel.