Latest news with #LasFallas
The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
The underrated sunshine spot 2.5 hours from Ireland with 25C heat NOW, €3 pints, fab beaches and €30 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at the underrated sunshine spot 2.5 hours from Ireland with 25C heat, €3 pints, fabulous beaches and €30 Ryanair flights. Valencia is a stunning city located in Advertisement 4 Valencia is an underrated Spanish sunshine spot Credit: Getty - Contributor 4 This budget friendly city features breathtaking architecture Credit: ALamy 4 It's also home to some of the regions top beaches Credit: Alamy The hottest month in Often referred to as an underrated Spanish sunshine spot, the city is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, stunning architecture and being a And Situated on the southeastern coast of Spain, this fabulous city draws thousands of visitors year-round with its mix of history, vibrant culture and Mediterranean charm. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL Valencia remains one of Spain's most affordable city destinations, offering a much better value for your money compared to other sunshine spots like Barcelona or With the Mediterranean Sea on its doorstep, the city has breathtaking beaches that stretch for miles. Water activities are also hugely popular, especially throughout the The sunshine spot gives tourists lots of opportunities - from paddleboarding, jet skiing and windsurfing, to swimming and relaxing by the shore. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Valencia is also home to a lively marina, where fishing boats and yachts sit beside beach clubs and seafood restaurants. Just beyond the city centre lie some of the region's top Spain resort thats like being in Thailand with zen gardens and huge jungle pool This include Playa de la Patacona and Playa del Saler – both known for their clean sands, calm waters and more relaxing vibe. Boat tours are also available in spring and summer, offering coastal views of the city and sunset cruises across Advertisement Valencia has lots of history – from the Gothic towers of the Torres de Serranos to the landmark Valencia Cathedral that is believed to house the Holy Grail. For a quieter spot, the Another must-visit is the City of Arts and Sciences – a futuristic architectural gem that includes a science museum, opera house and Europe's largest aquarium. Nature lovers will love the nearby Albufera Natural Park, a lagoon area with rice paddies, traditional fishing boats and stunning views. Advertisement Valencia's cuisine is a major highlight – particularly traditional dishes like paella Valenciana along with a range of fresh seafood. And If beer is more your thing, the cost of a pint will only set you back around €3. NIGHTLIFE AND FESTIVALS Valencia's nightlife scene starts to pick up in spring, with a wide selection of rooftop bars, beach clubs and live music venues that stay open into the early hours. The city is also home to major events including Las Fallas – an internationally renowned festival of fireworks and street parades. Advertisement Another major event in the summer is the Medusa Festival - one of Europe's largest electronic festivals that features many international DJs. Valencia is extremely accessible with airlines from across Europe flying to the sunshine spot - including 4 Valencia is a must-visit this summer Credit: Alamy
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.' ___
