It's Fiesta time!

Our guests over the last couple of weeks have been able to enjoy some of what Spain does best!

Last week was Las Fallas and because Easter is early this year, that led immediately into Santa Semana.

Las Fallas lasts for 5 days and always ends on March 19th. The last night is when the fantastic detailed monuments, that have taken the last year to build, are burned where they stand in the streets. We watched the proceedings in Gandia where 20 odd of these monuments had been on display. The intricate detail is quite amazing to see. The monuments are cartoon like, the characters depicted with subtle humour and slightly risque poses!





A couple of photos give an indication here but there will be far more appearing shortly on our Casa Blanca Rural website.

On each of the Fallas days at 2pm a "mascleta" took place in the centre of Gandia. These are incredible firework displays that literally shake the town centre with violent explosions. An amazing spectacle!



On Good Friday was the silent procession in Gandia, a long procession of hooded participants slow marching to heavy drum beats and subdued music from brass bands.



Bare footed volunteers shrouded in black gowns and hoods carry heavy wooden crosses on their shoulders, the only sounds that accompany this group are the chains dragging behind them that are shackled to their ankles, a pretty haunting sight to see.



Back in the sleepy village of Montichelvo on Easter Saturday night was a midnight service at the church opposite our house this was accompanied by loud explosive fireworks during and after the service. Last year it caught us by surprise and we thought the house was collapsing - but this year we were ready for it!