No To Firecracker Wars: Ruzafa Launches a Safety Campaign for Fallas

In Valencia’s Ruzafa neighbourhood, authorities have launched a campaign against so-called “firecracker wars,” which often break out on the streets during the Fallas festival. The initiative runs under the slogan No explotes las Fallas. Aquí no (“Don’t set off firecrackers during Fallas. Not here”) and aims to prevent dangerous, uncontrolled use of fireworks in crowded areas.

The campaign is organised by the Convivir Russafa platform together with the district administration and the city’s tourism department. It targets both residents and the many tourists who come to the neighbourhood during the festival week.

Special attention will be paid to intersections along Calle Sueca, where large crowds gathered in past years, and situations arose in which people staged “firecracker wars” or created improvised launch areas for rockets.

As part of the campaign, the neighbourhood will feature posters, informational materials in bars and shops, and announcements at stops and on EMT buses. During Fallas, volunteers will also be out on the streets handing out badges with the campaign slogan and reminding people about safe use of pyrotechnics.

Organisers say the goal is to preserve the tradition of using gunpowder during Fallas while ensuring safety, cleanliness, and comfort for residents and visitors. Increased work by security services and police will also accompany the campaign.

“Fallas is gunpowder and tradition, but also respect and safety. Fireworks are part of our identity, but they must be used responsibly to guarantee peaceful coexistence for residents and visitors,” said Paula Llobet, chair of the Ruzafa municipal council.