Origins of the Ofrenda
Origins of the Ofrenda
Fallas Calendar 2023
For the latest details regarding the events' dates and times, check out the Fallas 2023 calendar.
Never leave accommodation to the last minute
Hotels and apartments in Valencia all get booked pretty fast. If you wait too long you're gonna miss out on the good ones. Book now to save yourself money and stress.
-
March 1940
First offering
The origins of this tradition date back to Francoist Spain, in the 1940s. Apparently that year the Fallera Mayor and the festival representatives spontaneously decided to go make a small offering to the Virgin (patron saint of Valencia) on Saint Joseph’s day.
-
March 1941
The Clabariersas’ offering
Inspired by the previous year’s offering, some clavariesas, followed by local girls dressed in farm clothes and mantillas, left flower bouquets to the Virgin in the Basilica.
-
March 1945
Official offering
The tradition grew and cemented itself so much that in 1945 it was incorporated as an official act of Fallas.
-
1949
First Ofrenda in the square
That year, the Ofrenda had to be moved outside the Basilica due to the large number of participants.
-
1965
Two days of Ofrenda
Again to accommodate the growing number of people, authorities decided that the offering should be made over the course of two days (17th and 18th of March).
-
1987
First Virgin statue
The Junta Central Fallera commissioned José Azpeitia to build the first Virgin bust to be decorated with flowers. This tradition has since been upheld, and the flowers form a new colourful tapestry on the Virgin’s gown every year.
Religious sentiment
This really is the only religious event of an otherwise non-religious festival - one that is arguably of pagan origin. Even though the offering remains religious at its core, many people simply go to honour a tradition and enjoy the atmosphere of joy and great emotion. The spectacle of the Virgin’s gown being completed also attracts a large public regardless of their religious inclinations.
You might also be interested in...

Is Valencia during Fallas worth a visit?
Every city has an ideal period in which you can visit. Is Fallas Valencia’s prime time?

The Cathedral, Miguelete, and Holy Chalice
In the heart of the city’s old quarters is Valencia’s Cathedral, home to the Holy Chalice …

10 must-visit sights in Valencia
History, art, culture, relaxation, and beautiful views. Here are the ten sights you cannot …