An Unplanned Day In Valencia

Even though it was quiet season in Valencia, and the rest of the coast, but the day I decided to visit was an important one. There was a massive parade through the city of people dressed in traditional outfits carrying banners and flags and playing music on wind instruments. There were also some people on horses ahead of the parade.

I found myself in front of what seemed like the city hall, where important looking people went in and out of - dressed also in traditional wear, photographed by what looked like professional photo journalists.

If I'm being vague, it's because I still have no idea what was happening. It was pure luck that I found myself there on that day, basking in all this Spanish culture. I don't know if they were hand-picked, or that's just how people look there, but all the women were way above average in attractiveness - even the old ones haha. I guess the good weather and food contributes to that. People are definitely in better physical shape in Valencia than in London (on average).

Before the parade began, I had the chance to walk around the city - the old part with the classical architecture, and took some photos of quiet alleys and streets. The centre was a little more bustling with tourists and locals alike. Seems like a lot of people came from other parts of Spain to be there. I'm not sure if it was just for the festival, or if Valencia is like that usually.

The parade itself columnated in a massive fireworks display. It was the first time in my life I saw fireworks in broad daylight, in bright sunshine. It was quite interesting. I was given the heads-up to head to the "bridge that crosses the park" before a certain time or I was going to miss it. I later saw why - all the alleys and roads leading to the fireworks became clogged minutes before it started and I wouldn't have made it to the clear area where the fireworks were visible.

The park that runs along the city like a river reminded me of Central Park in New York. I only made it halfway down the park before turning back and walking through what looked like the financial district of the city. I didn't quite make it to the modern part with the fancy new buildings because I was going to miss my train back to Benicàssim, and there weren't many trains running the route at that time of year it seemed. I remember thinking how many European cities are so similar in design; you have the old town, the extension, the financial district and the ultra modern part.

I was going to go back and research the names of all the places and buildings I saw, and even the name of the festival or parade, but I didn't It was a pretty spontaneous visit and I quite enjoyed the unpredictability of it all. Besides, I will definitely be returning to Valencia one day soon. I feel I didn't really see much at all. When the time comes, I'll probably stay in the city itself and enjoy it slowly. Then I'd do more research before I go so I know what exactly I'm looking at haha.

Peace & Love,

Adé