"In every square, in every street, a monumental decoration made of cardboard, iron, or paper burns, representing something comic, something dramatic, sometimes simply a crazy and original idea, and when midnight arrives, on the night of the 19th , all those colossi are set on fire, leaving them to burn to ashes under the starry sky."
This text belongs to the novel La Barraca by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, one of the works with a Valencian theme that has not aged, that has endured over time due to its enormous quality and for addressing a social reality from the critical perspective of the one who was the greatest political agitator of Valencia at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century.
From an early age, Blasco Ibáñez was immersed in the festive atmosphere of the Fallas, growing up in the heart of Valencia and witnessing first-hand the preparation and celebration of this ancestral tradition. For him, the Fallas were not just a party, but a reflection of the identity and personality of the Valencian people, "an expression of their ingenuity, their creativity and their community spirit."
In many of his literary works and journalistic articles in the newspaper El Pueblo, Blasco Ibáñez masterfully portrays the scenes and characters that give life to the Fallas. His detailed descriptions and evocative prose transport the reader to the bustling streets of Valencia during the festival season, where monumental monuments and fireworks dominate the cityscape.
But beyond the grandeur of the monuments and the spectacular nature of the pyrotechnic shows, Blasco Ibáñez also focuses on the protagonists of the Fallas: the falleros and the falleras. For him, these men and women are the soul of the festival, dedicated artisans and artists who work tirelessly to give life to the creations that adorn the streets of Valencia during the festival.
In his writings, Blasco Ibáñez praises the passion and commitment of the falleros and falleras, highlighting their ability to convert simple materials into works of art that captivate locals and strangers. For him, being a fallero or fallera is not just a matter of participation in a party, but a commitment and responsibility that implies dedication and sacrifice.
Furthermore, Blasco Ibáñez recognizes the crucial role that women play in the Fallas tradition, both in the creation of monuments and in the organization and coordination of festive events. In a society where gender roles were poorly defined, the Valencian writer highlights the empowerment and active participation of women in an area traditionally dominated by men.
In his novel Entre Naranjos, Blasco Ibáñez presents strong and determined female characters who defy social expectations and prove their worth in the world of the Fallas. Through these women, the author pays tribute to all the falleras who have contributed to enriching and preserving this important cultural tradition.
