ARCHIVED - Fallas will go ahead on the Costa Blanca with mandatory masks and capacity limitations

Mask wearing will be compulsory in all events, including those outdoors, during the traditional annual Fallas celebrations in the Valencia region

The Valencia region's Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, met with the Councillor for Festive Culture of the City Council and president of Junta Central Fallera, Carlos Galiana, today (Tuesday, August 17), as well as representatives of the fallero collective to discuss the celebration of fallero events from September 1.

During the meeting it was agreed the parades and other events must be held within "the framework of the regulations for the control of the pandemic", taking into account "the need to preserve the health and safety of citizens".

For this reason, all Fallas events will be held "in compliance with the mandatory mask wearing", even in outdoor spaces, with limited capacity and ensuring the 1.5 metre safety distance is respected at all times.

Barceló has insisted that the epidemiological situation "only allows the development of certain events in compliance with current regulations", and as such, the 'Cremà' - the late night burning of the giant monuments which marks the end of the fiestas - will be adapted to comply with curfews in force in 68 municipalities in Valencia.

In addition, extra police patrols will be scheduled during the Fallas to limit individual groups to a maximum of 10 people.

It has also been agreed that the celebration of the 'Ofrenda' - Offering of Flowers - will take place "within a closed route" and without members of the public to avoid crowds. 

However, Barceló stressed that "there is still time (for things to change) and we are still working on the details".

The Fallas fire fiestas, normally held in March with bonfires on the 19th, have been postponed twice due to the pandemic.

IMAGE: Archive