The Fallas festival in Valencia: Spain’s largest generator of employment and economic growth

If you’ve been fortunate enough to experience Valencia during the Fallas festival, you’ve witnessed firsthand the grandeur of this quintessential Valencian celebration. Even if you’re from outside Spain, chances are you’re familiar with its significance. It’s no surprise that Las Fallas ranks as the most searched popular Spanish festival worldwide on Google, followed by the Sanfermines and the Feria de Abril. In 2023 alone, it garnered a staggering 1,355,620 searches, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. The search volume peaked in February and March, with 225,930 and 577,430 searches, respectively. 

These insights are derived from a report by the Cluster of Innovative Companies for Tourism in the Valencian Community (ADESTIC), which also highlights the festival’s international appeal. Italians (17.4%), Americans (16.5%), Mexicans (15.7%), and French (10.5%) exhibit the most interest in this iconic event outside Spain. 

Further data from the Economic Impact Study conducted by the Chair of Sustainable Economic Model València i Entorn at the University of Valencia underscores the Fallas’ significance. It reigns as Spain’s leading festival in terms of employment generation and economic impact, with a staggering 732.6 million euros contributing to the economy in 2023. This investment translates to 6,500 jobs and 180 million euros in income. 

On an individual scale, Fallas families contribute an average of €1,760, totaling €74 million, while commissions invest nearly €35 million. Visitors and residents collectively spend close to €269 million, with companies and public administrations investing €8 million and €11 million, respectively. This economic activity accounts for 0.29% of the province of Valencia’s GDP, 0.14% of the Comunitat Valenciana’s GDP, and 0.53% of employment in the province compared to 0.28% in the Comunitat.
 

Cost Breakdown: Creating a Fallas Monument 

As for the cost of constructing Fallas monuments, expenditures vary, with the 384 fallas commissions collectively spending 8.84 million euros in 2023. Notably, the Special Section Fallas, renowned for their size and spectacle, lead expenditures, with the Jerusalem-Matemático Marzal Convent investing €245,000 this year and the Falla del Ayuntamiento allocating €239,000, its largest budget to date. 

Additional fascinating Insights: 

– 353 traffic closures and 283 marquees set up in Valencia 

– Over 5,000 officers and 460 firefighters ensuring public safety 

– €2.74 million spent by the City Council on cleaning services 

– 133 stalls offering chocolate, churros, and buñuelos 

– Nearly 2 million visitors during the festival’s five main days, with hotel and turistic acommodation occupancy ranging between 75% and 90% 

– Over 100,000 falleros participating in the floral offering, presenting nearly 100,000 bouquets to the Virgen de los Desamparats.