Mar 17 2008
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to “Las Fallas”
1. You need especially designed scarf (“pañuelo fallero”). If you buy it from some falla, the scarf will have a picture of it. Nevertheless, someone can just give it to you. Local people usually give it as gift to visitors and tourists. 
The scarf has not only esthetical, but much more practical value as well: keeps the smoke of the firecrackers away.
2.Take your party mood with you – a fresh drink also may be needed because the hot sun is literally burning these days over the squares. Midnight falla walks also can make you thirsty.
3. Have a break - Try the typical sweeties buñuelos de calabaza (small pumpkin doughnut) and churros con chocolate (fritter with chocolate). You will find them at the illuminated stands of every
4. Forget the car and the public transport – almost all the streets are closed due to the local falla, so you’d better walk along with the people, sing, dance – enjoy! 
5. Do not expect to find anybody working in the afternoon of the falla week. Everyone is going out to see the mascleta at the
City Hall Square (Pl. del Ayuntamiento). Go with them and mingle with the crowd! Next step – see the Flowers Offering to the Virgin Mary (Basilica “La Virgen de los Desamparados”) – lots of people dressed in old Valencia style giving their tribute to Mother Mary.
6. See the city mayor jumping on the City Hall balcony after the fireworks at midday. If you are lucky enough you might see with her the Popular Party Candidate for prime minister as well.
8. Enjoy the fireworks at 1 a.m. to see why Valencia is called the City of Light.
9. Get ready for the Nit del Foc (The Fire Night) and la crema (the burning of all the fallas).
10. And finally: Always have your camera with you:)
