A triumphant return to the Fallas of Valencia
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has made his much-anticipated return to the iconic mascletá of Valencia, an event that marks the heart of the Fallas celebrations. This Monday, Almeida joined Valencia's mayor, María José Catalá, to sign a protocol aimed at fostering the creation of a Network of Urban Tourist Destinations. This collaboration between both cities not only highlights the cultural importance of the event but also opens new opportunities for tourism.
During his visit, Almeida made a clear and direct call to the citizens of Madrid: “What we need to do now is come to Valencia every year to enjoy the mascletá.” The mayor recalled how in 2024, Valencians travelled to Madrid to share their pyrotechnic tradition and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between the two cities. “They had the generosity to come to the city; now it’s our turn,” he enthusiastically stated.
Accompanied by Catalá and the falleras mayores, Almeida witnessed the spectacle from the balcony of the Valencia City Hall. Before the event, he visited several fallas commissions and personally greeted the pyrotechnicians responsible for the day’s display, Pirotecnia Tamarit. He also had the opportunity to meet the president of Mercadona and an active participant in the festivities, Juan Roig, who showed him how one of the most representative dishes of Valencian cuisine is prepared: baked rice.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Almeida could not help but recall the controversies that arose during the mascletá held in Madrid in 2024. At that time, some political leaders used misleading images to criticize the pyrotechnic event after claiming it had caused environmental damage. However, a subsequent video demonstrated that a duck found dead had already passed away before the show.
The signing of the protocol between Madrid and Valencia represents a significant step towards strengthening urban tourism in both cities. Almeida emphasized that events like the Fallas are not only a local celebration but a tourist attraction that can economically benefit both Valencia and Madrid.
As his visit concluded, Almeida made his commitment to this new alliance clear: “As mayor, I set an example and come every year.” With this collaborative spirit between two major Spanish cities, it is expected that more Madrileños will join the festive bustle of Valencia during the Fallas each year.
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