A Floral Resurrection: How 14 Tons of Fallas Flowers are Turning Valencia’s Gardens Green

Nearly 14,000 kilograms of flowers used during the emotional Ofrenda at Valencia’s Fallas festival won't be heading to a landfill. In a beautiful circular twist, Valencia’s city services have gathered the floral remains from the Virgin Mary’s monumental mantle to give them a sustainable second act.

According to the Valencia City Council's cleaning and waste collection services, the blossoms will be transformed into high-quality compost. This organic matter will then be used to nourish the city’s public gardens, ensuring that one of the most iconic symbols of Fallas returns to the local ecosystem.

In 2026, the intricate design of the floral tapestry was created by Valencian artist Xenia Magraner. The composition, as described by the author, symbolised "the suffering and resilience of people in the face of war and violence," featuring the poignant silhouettes of a woman and child holding hands.

The Ofrenda is arguably the most heartfelt event of the Fallas festival. On March 17 and 18, thousands of falleros and falleras dressed in stunning traditional attire marched through the heart of Valencia to present their bouquets to the Virgen de los Desamparados, the city’s patron saint. To see the magic of this year’s event, check out the La Cotorra photo report here.