The city gets ready for las Fallas

On 1 March, the first call will ring out for Las Fallas 2011. Every day from 1 to 19 March, the Mascletaes, rhythmical explosions of gunpowder, will fill the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with tourists and locals alike, who all flock to enjoy the noisy spectacle. Experience one at www.tvfallas.com. The Semana Grande (big week) begins on the 15^th with the traditional Plantà, when more than 700 monuments are erected throughout the city's streets, and fireworks displays are set off next to the Turia’s dry riverbed. However, the most eagerly anticipated days are, without a doubt, the 17^th and 18^th; two days during which thousands of Valencians dress up in their finest regional costumes made from natural silk, to leave bunches of flowers at the Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados (Offering of Flowers to Our Lady of the Forsaken), the most moving part of the celebrations, when white, pink and red carnations form the cloak of the city's patron saint. The festivities culminate on the 19^th, when, at the stroke of midnight, all of the monuments are consumed by flames in welcome of spring.

If you'd like to come to Valencia during Las Fallas, all you need to do is visiting www.turisvalencia.es to check flight and accomodation best deals options. You also may come on the AVE www.renfe.es travelling from Madrid to Valencia in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Once in Valencia, you can experience Las Fallas like a real fallero, by booking packages that include a guided tour of the city's old town, and another that takes you right to the heart of the spectacular Fallas, for just €35. Book your tickets now via our online store or in the Tourist Info offices in the Airport, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Plaza de la Reina or the office at the new Joaquín Sorolla AVE station.

Moving round the city is very easy with the Valencia Tourist Card (www.valenciatouristcard.com). If you purchase this card, which gives you unlimited journeys on public transport and a number of discounts in restaurants, museums and shops over a period of 48 or 72 hours, you will receive a free gift from any one of our Tourist Info offices.