Latest news with #Fallas
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Valencia seeks catharsis in traditional burning of sculptures months after deadly floods
VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — The enormous blue cone slowly crushes tiny piles of sand that represent houses. It symbolizes the deadly havoc wrought by floods that ravaged Spain's eastern Valencia five months ago. The artwork is one of hundreds of wood and papier-maché sculptures that are painstakingly crafted — and then burned — when Las Fallas, the most important yearly celebration in Valencia, reaches its climax on Wednesday night. This year's festival has taken on special meaning. There is hope that the burning ceremony, or Crema, will provide some catharsis for the city and surrounding villages after over 220 people died in October's flooding. UNESCO, which added Las Fallas to its catalog of intangible cultural heritage in 2016, describes the incineration of the sculptures as 'a form of purification" and "social renewal.' The festival originated in the 18th century, according to UNESCO, and now brings together some 200,000 people for the event that runs from March 14-19, culminating in the day of St. Joseph. Spain's King Felipe VI visited the party on Wednesday to show his continued support for flood victims. The king had been pelted by mud when he visited a hard-hit area along with politicians in the immediate aftermath of the floods. The sculptures made by local artisans can tower over 20 meters (65 feet). This year, some were built using wreckage from peoples' homes. Others lampoon politicians accused of mishandling the catastrophe. And U.S. President Donald Trump was depicted unfavorably in a few sculptures — one alongside Elon Musk — after his wavering on Europe's defense. But 'Nada," or 'Nothing,' the wooden cone by artist Miguel Hache, stands out for directly taking on the pain of the floods. Passersby can use cardboard molds to make little houses of sand, then roll the cone to flatten them, evoking the brutality of the rushing waters. In its path, the cone leaves an imprint of a street map of the southern neighborhoods where the deluge was the heaviest. 'If I had to sum my work in one phrase, I would call it 'the weight of the water on the earth,' Hache told The Associated Press. 'A devastated landscape is left behind.' Hache, 40, has been crafting sculptures for Las Fallas for 25 years. He originally planned to save the idea for 'Nada' for the 2027 Fallas to mark the 70th anniversary of a previous flood that hit Valencia's city center in 1957. But he decided this year was perfect for the design, especially after he spent days joining thousands of volunteers cleaning up the mud months ago. Hache said he had been pleased by receiving so many messages of appreciation for the work. On Wednesday night, 'Nada' will be consumed by flames. 'I am excited to see how it will come apart and reveal itself,' Hache said. 'Normally I don't get emotional, but maybe tonight I will.' ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain.
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Valencia seeks catharsis in traditional burning of sculptures months after deadly floods
The enormous blue cone slowly crushes tiny piles of sand that represent houses. It symbolizes the deadly havoc wrought by floods that ravaged Spain's eastern Valencia five months ago. The artwork is one of hundreds of wood and papier-maché sculptures that are painstakingly crafted — and then burned — when Las Fallas, the most important yearly celebration in Valencia, reaches its climax on Wednesday night. This year's festival has taken on special meaning. There is hope that the burning ceremony, or Crema, will provide some catharsis for the city and surrounding villages after over 220 people died in October's flooding. UNESCO, which added Las Fallas to its catalog of intangible cultural heritage in 2016, describes the incineration of the sculptures as 'a form of purification" and "social renewal.' The festival originated in the 18th century, according to UNESCO, and now brings together some 200,000 people for the event that runs from March 14-19, culminating in the day of St. Joseph. Spain's King Felipe VI visited the party on Wednesday to show his continued support for flood victims. The king had been pelted by mud when he visited a hard-hit area along with politicians in the immediate aftermath of the floods. The sculptures made by local artisans can tower over 20 meters (65 feet). This year, some were built using wreckage from peoples' homes. Others lampoon politicians accused of mishandling the catastrophe. And U.S. President Donald Trump was depicted unfavorably in a few sculptures — one alongside Elon Musk — after his wavering on Europe's defense. But 'Nada," or 'Nothing,' the wooden cone by artist Miguel Hache, stands out for directly taking on the pain of the floods. Passersby can use cardboard molds to make little houses of sand, then roll the cone to flatten them, evoking the brutality of the rushing waters. In its path, the cone leaves an imprint of a street map of the southern neighborhoods where the deluge was the heaviest. 'If I had to sum my work in one phrase, I would call it 'the weight of the water on the earth,' Hache told The Associated Press. 'A devastated landscape is left behind.' Hache, 40, has been crafting sculptures for Las Fallas for 25 years. He originally planned to save the idea for 'Nada' for the 2027 Fallas to mark the 70th anniversary of a previous flood that hit Valencia's city center in 1957. But he decided this year was perfect for the design, especially after he spent days joining thousands of volunteers cleaning up the mud months ago. Hache said he had been pleased by receiving so many messages of appreciation for the work. On Wednesday night, 'Nada' will be consumed by flames. 'I am excited to see how it will come apart and reveal itself,' Hache said. 'Normally I don't get emotional, but maybe tonight I will.' ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain.
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Valencia seeks catharsis in traditional burning of sculptures months after deadly floods
VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — The enormous blue cone slowly crushes tiny piles of sand that represent houses. It symbolizes the deadly havoc wrought by floods that ravaged Spain's eastern Valencia five months ago. The artwork is one of hundreds of wood and papier-maché sculptures that are painstakingly crafted — and then burned — when Las Fallas, the most important yearly celebration in Valencia, reaches its climax on Wednesday night. This year's festival has taken on special meaning. There is hope that the burning ceremony, or Crema, will provide some catharsis for the city and surrounding villages after over 220 people died in October's flooding. UNESCO, which added Las Fallas to its catalog of intangible cultural heritage in 2016, describes the incineration of the sculptures as 'a form of purification' and 'social renewal.' The festival originated in the 18th century, according to UNESCO, and now brings together some 200,000 people for the event that runs from March 14-19, culminating in the day of St. Joseph. Spain's King Felipe VI visited the party on Wednesday to show his continued support for flood victims. The king had been pelted by mud when he visited a hard-hit area along with politicians in the immediate aftermath of the floods. The sculptures made by local artisans can tower over 20 meters (65 feet). This year, some were built using wreckage from peoples' homes. Others lampoon politicians accused of mishandling the catastrophe. And U.S. President Donald Trump was depicted unfavorably in a few sculptures — one alongside Elon Musk — after his wavering on Europe's defense. But 'Nada,' or 'Nothing,' the wooden cone by artist Miguel Hache, stands out for directly taking on the pain of the floods. Passersby can use cardboard molds to make little houses of sand, then roll the cone to flatten them, evoking the brutality of the rushing waters. In its path, the cone leaves an imprint of a street map of the southern neighborhoods where the deluge was the heaviest. 'If I had to sum my work in one phrase, I would call it 'the weight of the water on the earth,' Hache told The Associated Press. 'A devastated landscape is left behind.' Hache, 40, has been crafting sculptures for Las Fallas for 25 years. He originally planned to save the idea for 'Nada' for the 2027 Fallas to mark the 70th anniversary of a previous flood that hit Valencia's city center in 1957. But he decided this year was perfect for the design, especially after he spent days joining thousands of volunteers cleaning up the mud months ago. Hache said he had been pleased by receiving so many messages of appreciation for the work. On Wednesday night, 'Nada' will be consumed by flames. 'I am excited to see how it will come apart and reveal itself,' Hache said. 'Normally I don't get emotional, but maybe tonight I will.' ___
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Real Madrid forward ridiculed in Valencia at Las Fallas festival
One of the most talked-about images from the opening days of Las Fallas 2025 has taken social media by storm. The figure of Vinicius Jr., displayed at the ninot exhibition and named 'Cagalló d'Or,' quickly became a viral sensation once it was unveiled to the public. This artistic creation, crafted by sculptor Victor Navarro, is a satirical representation of the events surrounding the last Ballon d'Or ceremony. Vinicius was seen as a strong contender for the prestigious award, but in a surprising twist, the title was claimed by Rodri at the final moment. The ninot serves as a playful nod to this outcome, embodying the classic satirical humour that defines the Fallas festival. However, not all Real Madrid supporters appreciated the joke, with some reacting negatively to the display. The controversy surrounding the ninot escalated when its creator reported receiving death threats over his work. Despite this backlash, the Central Fallera Board's jury recognised the artistic merit of the figure. Pues nada, aquí os dejo el mejor vídeo del año 2025. — Maromo Caballo🐴🐍 (@maromezcaballo) March 16, 2025 It was awarded two prestigious titles: 'Best Section Ninot' in both the artistic category and the category for ingenuity and wit. Public reaction to the ninot has been significant, with many embracing the humorous aspect of the display. It gained further recognition by securing a place in the Top 10 of the popular vote. With a total of 1,875 votes, it ranked sixth among the most celebrated ninots of this year's festival. One of the most widely shared moments on social media came when festival-goers gathered around the figure and chanted mocking phrases such as 'Beach ball.' The scene quickly went viral, with videos of the event being widely shared online. Vinicius' ninot will remain on display at the Pintor Goya-Brazil Falla, where a large number of visitors are expected to stop by and see it in person. Given the attention it has already received, it is likely to remain one of the most discussed figures of this year's Fallas celebrations.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fallas figures target flood failures in annual Spanish festival
STORY: :: Giant figures target flood management failures at Valencia's annual Fallas festival :: March 16, 2025 :: Valencia, Spain :: Maria Jesus Andres, Vice President, El Pilar Falla 'Fallas are about criticism and satire, but always with respect. They naturally have to reference politics and current events, which is why they critique everything we see as wrong, but with a satirical perspective.' Tourists and locals visited the Fallas festival held every year in the Valencia region where sculptures, some of them satirical are scattered across the city before being set on fire. The giant figures, or "ninots", which is the Valencian word for dolls, are often made from wood, plaster and paper mache over many months. Valencia's regional leader Carlos Mazon and Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez were among the figures featured at this year's event. This year's festival has a cathartic aspect, coming after rain and flash floods prompted rivers to overflow in Valencia and other parts of Spain killing more than 200 people and destroying homes and property in October 2024. The winner of this year was a Fallera, a traditionally dressed Valencian woman, and workers covered in mud, referencing the impact of the storm.
