Giant Wooden Pigeons Burned in Spain for Peace in Gaza and Ukraine
The La Fallas Festival in Valencia: A Symbol of Peace and Social Criticism
The La Fallas festival, held in the city of Valencia between March 1-19, is a traditional celebration with a history of at least 250 years. This year, among the giant puppets that are central to the festival, the main figure was reserved for pigeons to symbolize peace.
The giant wooden puppets, designed by the well-known street artist Escif, were made up of two pigeons, 20 meters long and 30 meters in diameter, holding an olive branch in their mouths. Named “Two pigeons, an olive branch,” these figures were used to call for peace in troubled regions such as Gaza and Ukraine.
Escif, explaining his work to the press, emphasized the role of art in reflecting reality and social issues. He highlighted how the festival, known for its firecrackers and explosions, serves as a platform for social criticism and satire. The puppets presented at La Fallas aim to shed light on uncomfortable truths that society often chooses to ignore.
Escif also addressed the issue of irregular migration, particularly the immigrant drama at the Morocco-Spain border. He incorporated the plight of African irregular immigrants in his work, showcasing wooden puppets in fences surrounding the firecracker detonation area.
The festival, recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage, involves the contribution of wood craftsmen creating over 700 giant puppets for display. These puppets represent various themes, including famous personalities and current social problems.
As the festival culminates in the burning of the puppets, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of spring, it is estimated that La Fallas brings an economic boost of over 700 million euros to Valencia.
While the exact origins of Las Fallas remain unclear, it is believed to have roots in the Latin word “Facula,” meaning “torch.” The festival coincides with St. Joseph’s Day, aligning with Catholic religious beliefs.
Overall, the La Fallas festival serves as a platform for artistic expression, social commentary, and cultural celebration, reflecting the rich history and traditions of Valencia.
