Pirotecnia Tamarit stuns at today's mascletà at the 2026 Las Fallas festival in Valencia
If there's a moment when the heart of Valencia beats as one, it's exactly when the clock strikes 2:00 PM at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. And this Monday, 16 March, that heartbeat carried the unmistakable signature of Pirotecnia Tamarit. I'd had that tingly feeling all day, because when a company with the heritage of Tamarit takes centre stage in the Fallas game, you know it's not going to leave anyone unmoved.
And boy, did it deliver. Right on time, as tradition dictates, the first thunders started to boom. But what many didn't expect was the distinct personality Tamarit stamped on the display. It wasn't just noise; it was a 6-minute conversation between the ground and the sky. 216 kilos of gunpowder, perfectly orchestrated, grabbing you from within and not letting go. The crowd, arms raised high, marking the rhythm, was a spectacle in itself. I was right there, glued to my usual spot by the barrier, and I felt that vibration in my chest that reminds you why these festivities are so unique.
A 6-minute symphony that felt timeless
The advantage of knowing the craft is that you can sense when a mascletà is well put together. Today's from Pirotecnia Tamarit had what us old-time enthusiasts call "depth." It started with a classic opening to warm things up, and just when the crowd was fully into it, the final earthquake hit. That part where the roar is so dense it feels like the asphalt itself is breathing. And just when you think it can't go on, the silence. That silence, broken by applause and cheers of "¡Valenciaaa!" that give you goosebumps. Tell me that's not the best sound in the world. Among the more knowledgeable crowd, there was talk that today's mix was one for the history books, and boy, did they make it.
- Duration: A heart-stopping 6 minutes exactly.
- Gunpowder: 216 kilos of artisanal mix.
- Feel: A dry yet equally vibrant earthquake.
- Key moment: The final earthquake, which brought everyone to their feet.
The artistry of Pirotecnia Tamarit, a Fallas classic
For those of us who've been around gunpowder our whole lives, names like Tamarit are synonymous with quality. It's not the first time we've seen them at the balcony of the City Hall, and hopefully not the last. They have that gift for understanding the rhythm of the square, knowing when to intensify and when to offer a brief respite. Today's mascletà wasn't just a treat for the ears, but a nod to tradition. Because in a Fallas where everything sometimes feels too fast-paced, having a fireworks company remind you of the value of rhythm and silence is almost an act of well-placed rebellion.
And now, riding this high, it's time to look forward to what's coming. Intense days lie ahead, with the Ofrenda (Offering) to the Virgin and the Cremà (Burning) on Sunday. But what happened today, with Pirotecnia Tamarit, will stay in the memory of those lucky enough to experience it live. For those who couldn't make it, just know that this 16 March, Valencia shook, and it shook with pleasure. See you tomorrow at 2 PM, the party doesn't stop.