In Spain, what festival features massive papier-mâché figures that are burned at the end of the celebration?

In Spain, what festival features massive papier-mâché figures that are burned at the end of the celebration?

• A. Las Fallas de Valencia
• B. La Tomatina
• C. Feria de Abril
• D. San Fermín

Answer: (A)

This question centers on a Spanish festival whose signature ritual is the burning of giant papier-mâché figures at the end. Las Fallas de Valencia fits this description: communities create enormous fallas—colorful, satirical sculptures made from papier-mâché and wood—and during the final night, La Cremà, they are set ablaze in the streets. This dramatic burning is the defining moment of the celebration, making it distinct from other well-known fiestas. La Tomatina, for example, is famous for tomato throwing in Buñol, not burning figures. The Feria de Abril in Seville is a spring fair with dances, rides, and clothing, but again, no large figures burned at the end. San Fermín in Pamplona is known for the running of the bulls, not for burning effigies.

This question centers on a Spanish festival whose signature ritual is the burning of giant papier-mâché figures at the end. Las Fallas de Valencia fits this description: communities create enormous fallas—colorful, satirical sculptures made from papier-mâché and wood—and during the final night, La Cremà, they are set ablaze in the streets. This dramatic burning is the defining moment of the celebration, making it distinct from other well-known fiestas.

La Tomatina, for example, is famous for tomato throwing in Buñol, not burning figures. The Feria de Abril in Seville is a spring fair with dances, rides, and clothing, but again, no large figures burned at the end. San Fermín in Pamplona is known for the running of the bulls, not for burning effigies.