Get the book SOM at the Museu Comarcal de l’Horta Sud

14th de march 2025 – In the framework of the collective project for the reconstruction SOM, which aims to contribute to the reconstruction of the Fallas after the DANA, different actions have been launched in recent weeks to help the Fallas world, such as the plantà of a falla in Paiporta or the performance of different fireworks shows. In addition, a llibret has been published which describes the impact of the catastrophe on the fallas and how the commissions have experienced the situation.

The publication, which has a print run of 5,000 copies and 200 pages, includes chronicles of the fallas in the municipalities of l’Horta Sud and other towns such as Algemesí, Utiel and Chiva. It also analyses how the DANA has affected sectors such as traditional clothing, the Fallas artists’ workshops and the music bands, which are essential to the festive culture.

More than 40 people took part in the writing of the llibret, including journalists, poets and the sociologist Antonio Ariño, who contributed their vision and experience to bear witness to this historical episode. From the Fundació Horta Sud we have also contributed our vision with an article in which we highlight the importance of the fallas movement as the backbone and dynamizer of our neighbourhoods, towns and cities. Fallas are spaces that foster integration, promote diversity and generate safe spaces or even refuges from loneliness for many people. Associations, and in this case the fallas, go beyond a monument or a festival. They are made up of neighbours who put faces to each other, get to know each other and weave networks of affection and mutual support.

Where to buy the llibret

This publication can be purchased at different points in l’Horta Sud and other towns in the Valencian Community for a donation.The funds raised will go entirely to the 72 Fallas houses affected by the DANA.One of the collection points is the Museo Comarcal de l’Horta Sud, which has become a key place for the distribution of this solidarity volume.If you are not at the Museum or would like to get in touch with us, please call 661 69 34 78 or send an email to hola@fundaciohortasud.org.

It can also be purchased from the Juntas Locales Falleras and Agrupaciones de Fallas de l’Horta Sur, the Juntas Locales de Utiel and Algemesí, the Falla Convento Jerusalén de València and the Falla Maestro Gozalbo de València.

Importance of the Fallas world

The Fallas are the largest associative sector in l’Horta Sud, with more than 25,000 people associated, which represents 34% of the associated population of the region.

We must also add the people who enjoy the Fallas activities, whether during the weeks of Fallas or during the rest of the year, and the economic activity and proximity that they generate: artists, costume designers, hairdressers, shopkeepers, music bands, etc. One of their main tasks, in addition to the already well-known maintenance of traditions, is their function of social action and cohesion.

Moreover, according to our reports, the Fallas have reported 20% more damage than other areas. In the infrastructure of the premises alone, the losses to the Fallas associations are more than 1.3 million, while more than half a million euros are losses in furniture and the remaining almost 970,000 euros in equipment, whether technical (microphones, loudspeakers, music equipment…), IT (computers, tablets…) or of another nature (electrical appliances, clothing, cookers…).