13th “Pepe Monforte” Cultural Conference: A Necessary Reflection on “Las Fallas de la DANA”
The Rafa Alcayde Hall, located at the headquarters of the Benicalap-Campanar Fallas Federation, hosted a new edition of the “Pepe Monforte” Cultural Conference on Tuesday, November 11, 2025—marking the event’s 13th edition this year.
Under the title “Las Fallas de la DANA,” the event brought together representatives from various committees to discuss, based on firsthand experience, how the Fallas community weathered the effects of the DANA that impacted various areas of the province of Valencia.
A roundtable discussion filled with personal accounts, emotion, and reality
The event was moderated by fallero and political scientist Christian Pizcueta Mascarós, who guided an in-depth and enriching dialogue. The panel included representatives from fallas that experienced the storm’s consequences firsthand, sharing stories that moved the audience:
- José Antonio Aliño Rodríguez — Falla Hellín-Pere de Lluna
- Manolo Bayona Giménez — Glòria-Felicitat-Tremolar Falla
- Pablo Bueno Villena — Mare de Déu de Lepant Falla
- Diana Giménez Gimeno — Plaza Riu Segura-Forn d’Alcedo Falla
- Alejandro López Salas — Camí de l’Alba-Castell de Cullera Falla
- Javier Pérez Palomares — María Ros-Manuel Iranzo Falla
All of them—who were serving as presidents or representatives at the time of the events—recounted their experiences during those days: flooded facilities, damaged materials, committees working around the clock, affected families, and, above all, the tremendous solidarity that emerged among falleros and neighbors.
An exercise in remembrance, unity, and learning
The roundtable discussion highlighted that the Fallas are much more than just a festival: they represent community, solidarity, and organization. The committees shared how, despite the harshness of the situation, they found support from other Fallas groups, associations, and neighborhoods that rallied to provide manpower, vehicles, supplies, and everything else needed.
The role of social media in coordinating aid was also highlighted, as was the speed with which the Falleros mobilized and how this experience has strengthened the bonds between committees, underscoring the important role the Fallas community plays in the social life of the neighborhoods.
A Day to Look Toward the Future
The 13th “Pepe Monforte” Cultural Conference once again fulfilled its purpose: to preserve memory, reflect on past experiences, and better prepare for the future. The presentations demonstrated that, when circumstances are adverse, the Fallas community knows how to respond with unity, strength, and humanity.
The event concluded with a message of gratitude from the Benicalap-Campanar Fallas Federation to all participating committees and to everyone who has worked to rebuild and keep the essence of the Fallas alive, even in the most difficult times.
