Every August, the Spanish town of Bunol, Valencia, is host to La Tomatina Festival, a traditional tomato fight that turns the town, and its occupants, red.
What began as a food fight in 1945 was declared a Festivity of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary Department of Tourism in 2002. It’s such a popular event that participation has been restricted to ticket holders since 2013. But there’s plenty more to this corner of Spain than 150,000 kilogrammes of tomatoes being thrown at tourists.
Valencia is known as the City of Flowers and Light. The springtime bloom signals its greatest festival, Las Fallas, a celebration of St Joseph that lasts five days and five nights, like one long street party. Each day begins with La Desperta, the wake-up call, and the processions, crowds and fireworks continue until the Cavalcada del Foc (the Fire Parade) and La Crema (the burning) of falles – elaborate cardboard and paper-mache monuments filled with firecrackers.
Valencia is the third largest of Spain’s cities and a delightful mixture of old world tradition and contemporary flair. It’s transforming under the influence of its thriving cultural scene, and varied dining, entertainment and shopping options. But it remains true to its rich Moorish and Roman heritage, as its historic neighbourhoods, medieval alleyways and ancient architecture attest. With a number of golden beaches too, it really is a versatile city with plenty to offer everyone.
An excellent way to start your time in Valencia is to join a city tour. Guides are generally local, sometimes scholars, and their knowledge is rich and interesting: certainly you’ll find out some facts that aren’t available in most guide books. If walking isn’t your thing, why not join a tour via bike or even segway, or opt for an evening or night tour, when the city is quieter.
Valencia’s buildings are architectural references to Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles set in complementary contrast with modern designs and modern materials. The city has a hop-on-hop-off service with two routes that takes in the major attractions, from the gothic Cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Silk Exchange to the futuristic Nou Mestalla stadium and the stunning Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia.
Mercat Central is one of the most visited landmarks in Valencia, not just because it’s housed in a beautiful building, but because of its vibrant food stalls. One of the oldest markets still in use in Europe, it has around 900 food stalls selling fish, meats, cheeses, olives, wine and fruit and vegetables. There’s even a stand dedicated to the spice saffron, used in paella recipes.
Although thought of by most as a traditional Spanish dish, paella is known in Spain as a traditional Valencian dish. Early paellas were made with water vole meat or eel, but fortunately improved living standards saw a change to ingredients with the introduction of chicken, duck, rabbit, and sometimes snails, or combinations of them. According to tradition, paella is cooked over an open fire of pine cones and orange and pine branches, which produces an aromatic smoke which infuses the paella. Certainly, if you want to sample this dish as it’s meant to taste, this is the city to try it.
Valencia’s one of Europe’s busiest ports, so a trip to the coastal parts is a must. Sailing days and sunset cruises are available to hire, and for the quietest sands, particularly on weekdays, head to Playa de la Devesa del Saler. There may not be a lot nearby, but the peace of the beach more than makes up for it.
Regardless of whether eating food or throwing it appeals more, it’s clear that Valencia, this most appealing and popular travel destination, is the perfect mix of old and new, just waiting for you to experience it.
