If you like your festivals to have equal doses of the pagan, the patriotic and the religious, and with a firm helping of fire and things that make a really big bang then the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain during March 2011 should be high on your agenda.
This amazing and unforgettable experience is based on the hundreds of gigantic cartoon caricatures (or Fallas) that criticize almost everything and everyone in a gentle, tongue-in-cheek manner. These Fallas are paraded through the streets and eventually burnt as the Festival progresses.
This spectacular burning is not the only reason to visit Valencia. During the Las Fallas you could also sample some of the best paella on offer as they Valencians often host an informal paella competition during Las Falls as well as an incredible fireworks display. Every night the city celebrates the Festival with a grand display of bangs and pops and explosions.
But day visitors won't miss out as the residents continue this noisy get together with an audio firework display known as a Mascleta. Enjoy the noise as crackers explode and acrobats perform in the streets. And don't forget to eat a bunuelos! These oddly shaped donuts are served with thick melted chocolate - simply divine.
Priced from R2 970 per person sharing enjoy three nights hostel accommodation in Valencia to enjoy this spectacle that has been described as Guy Fawkes, Disneyland and the world's biggest party combined. Contact Student Flights on 0860 400 737 or visit www.studentflights.co.za.