Events and traditions
In Valencia, every year there are many new events and attractions that attract the attention of many tourists.
Fallas
Without a doubt the main festivity that characterises the city of Valencia is the Fallas, the traditional fiesta in honour of San José, which takes place every year from 1st to 19th March.
The festivities begin on 1st March with the first “mascletá” (explosion of fireworks which is repeated every day until 19th March) and end on the 18th and 19th March with two spectacular events: the Nit del foc and the Cremá.
The Nit del foc (night of the 18th March) is a spectacular firework exhibition that lasts half an hour, whilst the Cremá (night of the 19th March) is the moment when the Fallas are burnt on an enormous bonfire.
The Fallas are sculptures made of wood and papier-mâché. They are made by local artists especially for the occasion, and are what gives the Fallas its name.
Formula 1 Telefonica Grand Prix of Europe.
After the Valencian Community motorcycling Gran Prix, held since August 2008, in the city of Valencia, there is an important sporting event: the Formula 1 Gran Prix of Europe.
The Valencia Gran Prix, whose urban circuit is in the port area, takes place each year during the second half of August according to the official FIA calendar.
Bioparc.
Opened in 2008, the Bioparc in Valencia is a latest generation zoological park based on the concept of zoo immersion, in which visitors, surrounded by animals, vegetation and landscapes that recreate the natural habitat, can discover the complexity of the different eco-systems of the planet.
City of Arts and Sciences
This is an important contemporary architectural complex, a work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.
Started in 1996, the City of Arts and Sciences is comprised of 5 different structures, sub-divided into themed areas:
- El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía — a centre for the promotion of the dramatic arts, and where there are 3 auditoriums.
- L'Hemisfèric — This structure houses the planetarium and a cinema, in panoramic Imax Dome form.
- L'Umbracle — A building comprised of underground parking and a promenade full of gardens and plants of every species on the upper level.
- El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe — an interactive science museum.
- L'Oceanogràfic — An oceanographic park, considered one of the best aquariums in Europe.
