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On March 10th, 2020, Fallas was cancelled, due to the CoVID-19 pandemic. This hadn't happened since the Spanish Civil War, and was something we barely considered plausible. I mean, the celebrations were already underway! In fact that plantà of the big figures had already begun! But now, it was all over. Valencia was in shock... as were we.
That very day, we went to see the mascletà as usual, not having the slightest idea that it would be the last. But the decision came in later that evening, and by the next day Fallas was over... or at least delayed. Half-finished figures at corners and plazas, no more mascletàs, marching bands put on mute. And now, it seemed, everyone for the first time understood the seriousness of Covid-19.
Before the lockdown started, we went to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to see the figure of the meditating woman one last time. Over night, the artist Escif and his team had placed a giant face mask over the mouth of the woman. This brilliant touch has instantly made the figure iconic and unforgettable. Her image ended up on several news pages, even outside of Spain, and even though Fallas was cancelled, this will surely be among the most long-remembered of figures.
Escif asked the city of Valencia to let him finish the figure, as a symbol and reflection of these times. Although many Valencians supported this idea, the city only the head to be preserved. The torso was burned without ceremony or an audience.
We used the last couple of days before the lockdown, to document the deconstruction of the figures. A couple times, we caught ourselves actually waving goodbye to the pieces, as they were being packed back up, and shipped off to storage. Hopefully we'll see you again soon, little ninots!
From our Fallas In Valencia Blog
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Hi Guys :)
What a shame! As you know, I have a special affinity with Valencia and know just how big and looked forward to the Fallas are.
Considering the timing, I think it was absolutely the right decision to cancel them as the city is packed with both locals and people from far and wide - it would likely have been a disaster.
Thank you for sharing and take care :)
For sure - and looking at the big picture I would have stayed home earlier. But respect to the people who made the decision, didn't want to have the responsibility not knowing the outcome.
Stay safe and happy!
Sounds like you and the council timed it just about right. Hopefully Spain is over the worst of it now and come the summer I'll be able to get on a plane to the sunshine :D
The sense I'm getting right now is - boarders will be closed for a while :( Good thing though, the weather gods provided us with one of the worst springs here. No reasons to leave the house ... which all together is kind of good.
Yeah, I'm just trying to lift myself up a bit - not getting away at all this year just sounds terrible!
That's why there are travel blogs :) Valencia will be there ... and if visit let me know .. happy to show you my Valencia.
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That's a shame they had to burn it without an audience. At least the head with the mask has become a symbol of this time. Keep safe over there :)