Each year, the Battle of Flowers, known as Batalla de Flores, marks the culmination of Valencia's July Fair. This vibrant event takes place on the last Sunday of July, featuring a whimsical battle where young ladies on elaborately decorated floats engage in a bloodless exchange of flowers with the enthusiastic crowds below. The festival captivates spectators with its colorful displays and lively atmosphere, celebrating tradition and community amidst the festivities of the fair.
The Battle
It's a unique spectacle where women adorned in traditional attire defend themselves with rackets against a torrent of brightly colored carnations hurled by the audience. They ride in carriages adorned by Fallas artists, each laden with thousands of flowers. Over the course of nearly an hour, thousands of marigolds fill the air, forming a vibrant, multicolored carpet on the ground below. This enchanting event unfolds on the Alameda promenade around 8 pm, captivating spectators with its beauty and tradition.
Following the battle, the Paseo de la Alameda is transformed into a picturesque scene, blanketed by a fragrant carpet of flowers that permeates the city with its scent. The floats, meticulously crafted by fallero artists, vie for the prestigious title of best float, infusing a spirit of competition into the lively and colorful celebration.
Great Valencia Fair
In July, Valencia comes alive with its traditional Great Valencia Fair, or Feria de Julio. The city offers a month of vibrant activities, filling the streets with color, outdoor concerts, and fireworks displays along the seafront. Cultural events are plentiful, featuring a special night when museums remain open until dawn and culminating in the spectacular Battle of Flowers as the grand finale—the fair bursts with a variety of festivities, including food, music, fireworks, and dance.
History of the Flower Battle
The Battle of Flowers traces its origins back to 1891, marking its first battle. In 2016, the festival celebrated its 125th anniversary. Originally held on July 31st, it later transitioned to the last Sunday of July in recent decades. Initially, the event featured a parade of carriages adorned with plants and flowers crafted by local florists. Young ladies and girls traditionally threw carnations from these carriages. As the festival evolved in the early 20th century, elaborate floats created by fallero artists became a prominent addition.
