The recent weekend of Las Fallas festivities in Valencia and its metropolitan area saw a hotel occupancy rate of 86.9%, surpassing initial forecasts by 10 to 15 percentage points, as reported by the Hotel and Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community (Hosbec).
This increase is attributed to favourable weather conditions and growing international interest in the festival.
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Foreign tourists accounted for 60% of hotel guests, while domestic visitors made up the remaining 40%.
Hosbec expressed satisfaction with these figures but noted concerns about anticipated adverse weather in the final days of Las Fallas and the fact that Saint Joseph’s Day falls on a Wednesday, a public holiday only in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia.
These factors are expected to influence hotel occupancy rates, currently projected at 70% through 19 March.
Las Fallas festival overview
Las Fallas, Valencia’s most renowned festival, officially began on 1 March, with the main events scheduled from 15 to 19 March.
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By GlobalDataThe festival features the creation and display of large-scale sculptures, known as ‘fallas’, which are later burned in a ceremonial ‘cremà’ on 19 March, marking the conclusion of the festivities.
Key events and traditions
Among the festival’s highlights is the ‘Ofrenda de Flores’ (Offering of Flowers) to the Virgin of the Forsaken, Valencia’s patron saint. This event takes place on 17 and 18 March, with over 100,000 participants dressed in traditional attire parading through the streets to present floral tributes.
The processions follow routes along significant streets such as Calle de la Paz and Calle San Vicente, culminating in a massive floral structure in honour of the Virgin.
Daily ‘mascletàs’, intense firecracker displays, are held at 2:00 PM in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento from 1 to 19 March. These events are central to the festival’s atmosphere, attracting large crowds who gather to experience the rhythmic explosions that are characteristic of Las Fallas.
Impact on tourism and local economy
The midweek scheduling of Saint Joseph’s Day has influenced tourism dynamics this year. Hotel occupancy rates from 14 to 19 March are around 70%, with Sunday bookings particularly low at 58%.
These figures are lower compared to previous years when the festival coincided with weekends or public holidays.
Despite these challenges, local restaurants and bars in Valencia’s Fallas districts remain optimistic.
Many establishments anticipate a significant increase in business, with some expecting revenues to more than double compared to a typical weekend, driven by strong local participation in the festivities.
As Las Fallas 2025 progresses, both visitors and residents continue to engage in the rich traditions and vibrant celebrations that define this UNESCO-recognised cultural event, contributing to Valencia’s cultural heritage and local economy.
