July 06, 2012

Explosive Art






Las Fallas is an annual celebration in Valencia, Spain.  Part art, part pyrotechnics, this truly unique event showcases massive ninots (see image above) throughout the city.  The ninots are often satirical and reference current events of popular figures from that year.  On March 19th or La Nit del Foc (the Night of Fire), these sculptures are set aflame using a string of fireworks that lead to the base.  Valencia transforms into a city speckled with four-story bonfires that burn through the night.  It is a dangerous yet spectacular sight, where art literally explodes before your eyes.   In 2008, I watched as these magnificent ninots become engulfed in flames.  Many of the sculptures were simply stunning before La Nit del Foc, but the way that the fireworks transformed them was equally captivating.  Thousands of people flock to Valencia to witness this event, and marvel at the unpredictable way each sculpture transforms, burns, and deteriorates before them.



For more on Las Fallas (official site, someone needs to create an English version!) -

For more on Las Fallas in English-


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