La Fallas is a famous celebration held every March in Valencia, Spain. I came here for its two major highlights, the Ninots and the Mascletà. Hundreds of ninots are created as caricatures, often portraying political figures or celebrities to humorously address various political and social issues through exaggeration and satire. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we couldn’t visit all of them. The Mascletà, on the other hand, is the most iconic and intense event of Las Fallas. It’s not a typical fireworks show, it’s a rhythmic explosion of sound. The booming bangs grow faster and louder, shaking the ground and resonating in your chest. It takes place daily from March 1st to 19th at 2:00 PM in Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

On the night of March 19th, all the ninots are burned in massive bonfires, aligning with an old tradition where Valencian carpenters cleared out their workshops and burned leftover wood to welcome the arrival of spring and renewal. This is a good learning and experience of local tradition as part Live Like A Local Project

This is my first time experiencing the transition from winter to spring in real life. It made me reflect: all living beings go through the four seasons, what about us humans? I like to associate the seasons with personal transformation, Spring is Rebirth, Summer is Growth, Autumn is Release or Reflection and Winter is Stillness. Before I forget, paella originated in Valencia. The best paella we’ve ever tried was from the fresh market.