Remarks by Beatriz Blanco Tamarit, Fallera Mayor of Valencia 2027
Her Excellency the Mayor of the City of Valencia; President of the Fallas Central Board and Fallas Councilor; members of the municipal council; Authorities; Belleses del Foc of Alicante; Queens of the Festivals of Castellón; Falleras Majors of Valencia and Courts of Honor who are with us today—especially Julia and our Courts of Honor; falleras and fallers, good afternoon.
There are dreams that are born when we are children and that, as the years go by, we learn to keep tucked away in a corner of our hearts. Dreams that we may think will one day cease to be dreams, but that remain there, waiting for their moment.
Last night, that moment arrived, allowing me today to have the honor of addressing all of you, for the first time, as Fallera Major of Valencia.
A privilege that, before me, has been held by numerous Valencian women whom I admire and who will always be my inspiration and support.
Carmen, Marta, and their Courts of Honor. You are the last in a long line of ambassadors for the festival, to whom we owe our gratitude for the great legacy you have left us. All of us—Julia, the Courts of Honor, and I—will continue to responsibly and proudly safeguard the flame of the festival that you have passed on to us.
Because, for me, the Falles have always been much more than just a festival. They have been home, family, friendship, and tradition.
They have been art, gunpowder, music, flowers, poetry, and silk—but above all, they have been people. People who have taught me to love them and who have made me, over the years, feel that they, too, are a fundamental part of me.
It all began at my committee, Castelló-Sogorb. There I learned that being a fallera isn’t just about wearing a dress, participating in an event, or living the Falles week to the fullest.
Being a fallera means sharing, working, helping, laughing, getting emotional, and always standing by your people.
It’s about making the spirit and the Fallas family grow ever larger—in my Russafa B sector, in my Fallas Federation (Center), and now also in my greater home, that of all the fallers and falleras. Thank
you
This evening, as I climbed those stairs, I felt that with every step there were many more people with me, but above all, I felt by my side those who have always been present with me every step of the way—my family.
Thank you for teaching me to love the Falles, for sharing with me every moment of nervousness, every joy. And for always reminding me that everything is so much more beautiful when experienced together.
And the truth is, my luck has multiplied by 25. By 25 families, by 25 women and girls who will go down in Valencia’s history, but who are already part of my life’s story.
Julia, that little girl with deep eyes who stole my heart from the very first day—and along with her, her Court of Honor. Twelve little whirlwinds whom we promise to care for and love.
And now I want to address you, the twelve women who make up my Court of Honor. Behind each of you there is a story, a family, a committee, and a whole life devoted to the Falles. Behind you lies an indispensable part of this reign and of me.
You will be my support, my strength, and my home. With you, I will share the nerves, the laughter, the emotions, and every moment of this year. If I feel deeply fortunate to have you, you can’t imagine how lucky Valencia is to have its greatest representatives.
Paloma, Paula, Cristina, Laura, Claudia, Alejandra, María, Paula, Marina, Ana Inés, María Ruiz, and Carmen. Let’s make this dream the dream of an entire city, and let’s ensure that every Valencian woman who dreams of being here is proud of us.
To our jury, thank you for the time, dedication, and sensitivity with which you approached such an important decision. Thank you for wanting to get to know us beyond just a number or a name, and thank you for the trust you’ve placed in the thirteen of us. We accept this selection with immense gratitude and with the determination to live up to that trust by giving our very best every step of the way.
We accept the honor of representing Valencia with enthusiasm, responsibility, and an open heart. Because the things done with the heart may not be perfect, but they are the ones that touch people’s hearts and endure.
I want to get to know every workshop, every committee, listen to every story, and discover all those people who make our festivities so much greater than any falla that can be erected.
Because the Falles are heritage, tradition, and culture, but they are also brotherhood. They are thousands of people who, even though they come from different neighborhoods and experience the Falles in different ways, share the same passion.
And that is the Valencia I represent: a Valencia proud of its roots, yet with its sights set on the future; a Valencia that preserves its traditions because it knows they are part of who we are. A Valencia that is celebrating 10 years since its designation as a World Heritage Site.
The truth is, I don’t know what this journey has in store for us, but I do know how I want to live it: intensely, with gratitude, and without letting a single moment slip away.
Because there are dreams that last only a moment, and there are others that, when they come true, change your life forever.
Today, my dream is no longer just a dream, and I can only say one thing to you: Thank you, Valencia!
Long live Valencia! And long live the Falles!
