The Fallas debate

A week  after the end of the Fallas festivities in Valencia and one of  the cities political parties is demanding an urgent debate about the continuation of the event.

Left-wing Esquerra Unida co-ordinator Amadeu Sanchis has issued a statement pointing out that ‘Valencia is the only city of its kind in Europe allowing the celebration of festivities that disobey so many European, national and regional directives and laws with regards to public safety, light and noise pollution, residents' right to sleep and rest, and a long etcetera'.

In addition, the EU chief insists that cutting off more than 200 streets throughout the city does not take into account the mobility needs of residents who have to get to work or need to go somewhere in a hurry in case of emergency.

"To this we must add the usual damage to public property, the spectacular increase in the volume of rubbish in the streets, and the urgent need to close off the areas where fire and fireworks are allowed," added Sr Sanchis.

In conclusion, these issues ‘make it necessary to open a calm and civilised but necessary debate about these fiestas that form an undeniable part of Valencian traditions', as they ‘must adapt to modern times, to the new European regulations relating to rest, leisure and acoustic impact control to ensure that they are governed by basic respect'.

As one Javea resident comments: We are Javea residents, living very close to the pueblo, which is the epicentre for the San Juan week long extravaganza of noise filled fun. The racket from fireworks, music and revellers late at night when one has to work the next day is pretty inconsiderate. Our roof top terrace has been inundated with the carcasses of spent fireworks, another detail for us to contend with. Then there is the effect of the fireworks on the local animals, both domestic and wild. It was like WW111 here last year and the year before, and all well after midnight. I don't mind fireworks, tradition etc., but not late at night and preferably not in residential areas. This stuff should be held in areas away from homes. I feel for the residents of Valencia, what with the noise, the smoke, the basura, the disruption to the streets, it must be terrible to live near the event area.

As my neighbour would say, "what do you expect, this is Spain". However I would argue that when you come here, you buy into the whole deal not just the parts that suit you. I'm sure there are plenty of things that Spaniards living in England would disapprove of.