When It’s Fallas, We Do Fallas

“Quick reminder, everyone,” I said over the commotion of students packing up, “this Sunday we have our bilingual hike! We’ll meet at the academy at 10. Bring your sunscreen — they say the sun will finally be out!”

I was announcing one of the weekly events I organize for students to practice their English and Spanish outside the classroom. This week: hiking. We all enjoy chatting in our less dominant language in a more relaxed, informal environment.

But that day, something was different. A hand went up.

Enjoying a break after our morning hike before going to watch Las Fallas

“But that’s the first day of Fallas,” someone said from the side of the room.

“Yes, so? It will be a great morning for a hike!” I replied.

“…Right?” I added, slightly puzzled.

As students filed out, José paused. He smiled at me compassionately — almost with pity.

“Darcie,” he said gently, “you need to learn the rhythm… the pace… the flow of Spain. When it’s Fallas, we do Fallas.”

“Okay… thanks, José,” I responded with what I hoped was a thoughtful smile, masking the fact that I had absolutely no idea what he meant.

Fallas is a beautiful tradition here in Valencia. But what did that have to do with pace? With rhythm? With flow, for goodness’ sake? Why couldn’t we hike in the morning and attend the mascletà in the afternoon?

I couldn’t just pause our calendar for every local celebration. We would never meet! In California, we multitask. We hike in the morning and watch fireworks in the afternoon. Efficient. Harmonious. Productive. I saw no conflict.

It wasn’t until that Sunday, as we hiked up to the Monastery of Santa Ana, with a noticeably smaller group than usual, that I began to understand.

I found myself defending my logic to Amparo, who listened with a polite smile. She gently suggested that while my perspective was efficient, and yes, very productive, perhaps that wasn’t the point at all.

Fallas, she explained, is about immersion. Belonging. Being part of the celebration, not scheduling around it. It’s about relaxing into the rhythm of the occasion. Going with the flow.

In the U.S., we fit celebrations into our schedules.In Valencia, during Fallas, the schedule fits itself around celebration.

As I listened to Amparo, something shifted. Learning a language — and a culture — includes learning its priorities. Knowing when to plan… and when to surrender to the moment.

Salva, overhearing our conversation, chimed in: “Planning a class during Fallas is like scheduling a dentist appointment on Christmas Eve.”

“Come on, Salva,” I laughed, “I’m not that bad!”