Las Fallas

In March, hundreds of colourful sculptures taller than houses spring up on Valencia's street corners overnight, lampooning politicians, celebrities and current events with the finish of a large art exhibition. Every day at noon, firecrackers in the Plaça de l'Ajuntament rattle your chest; then late on 19 March, every piece is burned to ashes. Las Fallas is Spain's loudest, hottest and most extravagant festival.