During the Fallas festivals, participants dress in colorful costumes for many processions. Valencia also proclaims a Fallas Queen.
The Fallas are often modeled after famous people including politicians and celebrities. Although they are caricatures, sometimes they can be very ugly, particularly if the craftsman is making a political statement.
Some believe that the festival originated in the Middle Ages when carpenters burned wood to celebrate St Joseph's Day, Valencia's patron saint. Others think that the burning of bonfires goes back to pagan times with the Catholic Church "Christianizing" the festival in later centuries.
On the evening of March 19, the Fallas are stuffed with fireworks. At midnight, crowds gather and the Fallas are set on fire.
Every year one Falla is saved from destruction and placed into the Museum of Las Fallas. The Fallas are such good quality that they have been compared to exhibits at Madame Tussaud's.
