We spoke to former Erasmus survivors and put together some expert advice for living through Valencia’s biggest and most outrageous festival. Welcome to Xceed’s Top 8 Fallas tips for this 2018…
1. BEER FOR BREAKFAST
The number one tip from past survivors who demand you “Wake up with a beer and never stop drinking!” It’s the only way to fight that dirty hangover and continue the fiesta. You can’t afford to miss out on a single day of action, so don’t be the loser who stays at home. Apologise to your liver in advance and keep swigging that Amstel.
2. USE PROTECTION
Ok so not the kind your mother talks about… just some earplugs. Mascletà is said to be the craziest part of the entire festival. Each day at 2pm in Plaza de Ayuntamiento, more than 120 decibels of sound and 100 kilos of gunpowder are ignited in the air! So remember earplugs people and you will appreciate still being able to hear at the end of the week.
3. VERBENAS
Verbenas are key to living the Fallas 2018 experience to the full. They are the nocturnal street parties, parades and concerts with live DJs and artists… If you’re cool, this is where you’ll be every night #teamnosleep
4. CHURROS AND PAELLA ALL DAY ER’DAY
Tip number 4 is obviously eat all the churros and paella you possibly can! Fallas is the time where you will see the most churrerias and paella makers in Valencia so fuck the calories. What else is going to soak up that vodka?!
5. GOOD SHOES AND LOTS OF BOOZE
Comfortable shoes are a MUST. You will be dancing until the early morn in the street discomóviles and the niños will be tossing firecrackers at your feet all day (annoying AF) so put the toes away. Did someone say BOTELLON?! Yes that’s right, also for this edition of Fallas 2018, botellones will be the way of life.
PRO TIP: Make sure you buy your alcohol in advance, drinks can be super pricey whilst bars and restaurants are overcrowded… nobody got time for dat!
6. STREET ART AND FIRE
Expect to see some of the coolest street art and fire displays throughout the city. Sights to definitely check out are the incredible street lights in the Ruzafa district, the nightly firework shows at the Turia riverbed and finally the craziest night of them all – La Cremà aka when the whole of Valencia goes up in flames. Try not to die por favor.
7. FALLAS FESTIVALS // PARTIES // CLUBBING
No doubts that during the Fallas festival most of the attractions are around the city. The whole town of Valencia is literally set ablaze. The streets fill up with joy and hustle, and the people enjoying with curiosity how the citizens are used to celebrate this crazy event.
Nevertheless, if you are also up for a night in a club, to experience this Spanish occurrence dancing with the best music, don’t forget to check the events that the main clubs of Valencia will throw during the night. From underground parties, to 12-hours of non stop music festivals packed with an infinite list of artists, the Valencian’s clubbing scene will got you covered.
8. STICK TOGETHER
A city crammed with millions of people means getting lost can be pretty easy, so try and stick with your pals. If you do end up lost though, see it as an adventure… most of the fun of Las Fallas is disappearing into Valencia’s streets and unwrapping the craziness for yourself. Plus, everyone likes making friends when they’re drunk right?
If you made it till here: congrats! You are now ready for Fallas! It is unlike any other festival on the planet, bizarre at times, bordering on suicidal the rest of the time and just fucking insane all the time. But one thing is for sure, it will remain in your memory long after the ringing in your ears has subsided.