Valencia’s biggest festival, Fallas 2025, taking place between February 28 and March 19, is drawing closer, and while hotel reservations remain stable, local businesses are bracing for a shift in tourism dynamics.
Traditionally a major driver of economic activity in the city, this year’s Fallas is facing challenges due to its timing on the calendar.
According to Visit Valencia, hotel occupancy for the five nights from March 14 to March 19 is currently averaging 70%. While last-minute bookings are expected to push this number higher, it remains lower than previous years when the festival coincided with a weekend or public holiday. Sunday has the weakest booking rate at 58%, reflecting the impact of Fallas falling midweek.
Compared to previous years, hotel occupancy during Fallas reached 79% in 2024, 83% in 2023, 65% in 2022, and 78% in 2019. Despite this year’s lower starting point, forecasts indicate that occupancy levels could still reach a comparable level due to late bookings.
Hospitality Sector Faces Revenue Decline
While hotel bookings are expected to stabilize, Valencia’s hospitality businesses are forecasting a decline in turnover. A study by the Coordinator of Hospitality of the Neighborhoods of Valencia (CHV) estimates that revenue for Fallas 2025 will drop by 11.4% compared to last year.
Among the surveyed business owners, 57.1% anticipate lower revenue, 25.7% expect an increase, and 22.9% believe earnings will remain the same. The primary reason for the expected downturn is the placement of March 19—San Jose Day—on a Wednesday, making it less attractive for extended travel stays.
Restaurants Rely on Local Visitors
Despite concerns over declining tourist numbers, restaurants and bars in Valencia’s Fallera neighborhoods remain optimistic. The study revealed that 65.8% of establishments expect revenues to double or more compared to a typical weekend. These businesses benefit from strong local consumption as residents and visitors participate in Fallas celebrations.
Dining trends also show that the busiest times will be around lunch, according to 35% of surveyed establishments, followed by dinner (26.6%), the afternoon (20.6%), evening (11.6%), and morning hours before the mascletá (6.6%).
Balancing Tourism and Overcrowding
The CHV notes that while a drop in international visitors may impact revenue, it could also prevent the overcrowding issues seen in record-breaking years like 2002 and 2023. In 2024, visitor numbers had already begun to decline, marking a shift in how Fallas attracts and manages tourism.
With weather uncertainty also playing a role, Valencia’s tourism and hospitality industries remain hopeful that last-minute visitors and local attendees will ensure another successful Fallas celebration. For an indoor attraction, local and international travelers can visit Ninot Exhibition 2025 at the Science Museum until March 14 and 15. Whether the festival can reach pre-pandemic levels of economic impact remains to be seen, but it continues to be one of Spain’s most culturally significant and economically vital events.
