Valencia's most important festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Enormous satirical sculptures (fallas) fill the streets, then burn on the final night (La Cremà). Daily events include:
The maritime districts celebrate Easter with unique processions featuring fishermen brotherhoods. Different from Andalusian Holy Week, with ships, maritime symbols, and beach ceremonies.
Month-long summer festival with concerts, bullfights (controversial), sporting events, and the Battle of Flowers parade. Celebrates Valencia's liberation from Moorish rule.
The world's largest food fight takes place in nearby Buñol (40km from Valencia). Thousands throw tomatoes in the streets. Book tickets and transport well in advance. Not in Valencia proper but accessible for day trip.
Regional holiday celebrating King Jaume I's conquest. Parades, traditional music, and cultural events. Fireworks at Turia Gardens.
Valencians gather at Plaza del Ayuntamiento to eat 12 grapes at midnight (one per bell chime) for good luck, then party until dawn.
National Holidays: January 1, January 6 (Three Kings), March 19 (San José/Father's Day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, August 15, October 9 (Valencia Day), October 12, November 1, December 6, December 8, December 25. Expect closures and crowds.