The Fallas Department has presented to the members of the Junta Central Fallera (JCF) the creation of an additional session for the Flower Offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados. This measure, set to begin on the afternoon of March 16th, aims to alleviate current time pressures, with parade start times planned between 3:30 PM and 10:00 PM. This proposal is a preliminary step before its approval in an extraordinary plenary session and subsequently by the assembly of presidents.
The primary justification for this expansion is the "wild increase in the Fallas census," which has grown by 42% in the last five years, from 90,563 falleros in 2021 to 128,492 in 2026. This growth has led to a larger number of participants in the Offering. Councilor Santiago Ballester emphasized that "extending the Offering by one more day is necessary in many ways," as it will allow falleros and falleras to avoid parading in the early morning hours, reducing delays and improving schedules for children.
The new configuration would distribute the sectors across the three sessions without altering their routes. In addition to improving schedules, the third session would free up police personnel to attend to other city needs during Fallas. The School Council's decision to have no school on March 15th and 16th also facilitates this event and the potential delivery of children's awards on Saturday, March 16th, in the morning.
The Fallas Edict, which has extended the closure of the city center until 8:30 AM on March 16th, also aids in the event's celebration. However, the proposal faces reluctance from the assembly of presidents, particularly among commissions from Ciutat Vella, who fear it will affect their convenience. Despite acknowledging that the event ends very late, not everyone is in favor of adopting this new session, reflecting a general resistance to significant changes in the festival.
