For hostel/hotel bookings during Fallas, we’ve found the best rates at Hostelbookers and Booking.com

We feel for everyone who can’t make it to this year’s Fallas, but hopefully the content we’ve posted so far helps soothe the pain!

• Color Mascletà 2010
• La Despertà 2010
• The midday Mascsletà for the Despertà
• Castillo for the La Cridà 2010
• La Primera Mascletà 2010

And we’re feeling for everyone who lives in Valencia and can’t wait to get the hell out of here and away from the noise!

Fallas has just begun, so there are a lot of events coming up… Here are some of them:

• Everyday at 2pm, the Grand Mascletà in Plaza del Ayuntamiento
• March 6th: Mascletà Napolitana at Las Arenas beach (highly recommended) starts at 6pm
• March 6th: Turning on the famous street lights of Calle Sueca at 9pm (we’re not sure of that time — can anyone confirm?)
• March 6th: Cabalgata del Ninot starts at 10:30pm, ending with a color Mascletà in the Ayuntamiento
• March 7th: Cant de l’Estoreta is a neat little kids parade at 11am which ends with a Mini Mascletà

We’ll let you know about more events after the weekend, otherwise it’s just too much. For last-minute event updates, keep your eye on our twitter account: @valenciablog

And if you have any information or tips about this Fallas, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re always looking for a good Fallas story. And if you’ve got a good spot to watch a Mascletà, fireworks or the Cremà, hook us up!

Anyone else in Fallas fever?

- Best Youth Hostel for Fallas / What is Fallas?

Fallas T-Shirt 2010 by valenciashirt
design your own shirt on zazzle.com

Looking to pick up some junk fished out of garbage containers? Then head on down to the Mestalla this Sunday and marvel at the wonders of the Flea Market!!

The Sunday morning flea market in Plaza Lluis Casanovas, adjacent to the Mestalla, is probably the best known & biggest in the city. We went a few weeks ago, and were amazed at how crowded and popular it was.

I was skeptical before arriving, but this actually wasn’t so bad. Yes, there were some blankets spread out where the trash for sale was literally trash. But there were also a lot of acceptably decent items as well. If you’re in the market for things like picture frames, used books, ornamental figures or second-hand toys and trinkets of all sorts, you’ll be in heaven here.

We loved the flea markets of Berlin during our time there, particularly in Friedrichshain, and while the Sunday Mestalla market doesn’t quite rise to the same level of quality, it comes decently close.

- Spanish Bargain Site

Luckily, it’s a rather easy decision. Ono is far better. If you’re new to Spain and have a choice, go with them.

We’ve experienced both services — with Ono, we had speedy internet, friendly customer service and a fair price. With Telefónica… no, nope, and nurp.

Telefónica ordeals have become the stuff of legend in our household. When we moved into our new apartment, we simply wanted our existing service transferred. It took them over 6 weeks. I called them about 15 times to complain, and each time was a joy. Apparently, their customer service representatives take master’s courses in Misinformation and Bitchiness. They were really good at both!

This is impossible over the phone, I thought, so I’ll just go down to the gigantic Telefónica store at the Ayuntamiento. Ha, as though it would be so easy!!! Oh no, no no, the lady explained. Nurp. Because we had signed up online, everything had to be handled over the phone. She had no way to help us. Red-faced, I nearly screamed, “My service is Telefónica. You’re Telefónica. NOW HELP ME!”

Nurp. She shrugged, and a little smirk crept across the corner of her mouth. Nothing she can do. Separate division. Bye-bye now, thanks for choosing Telefónica.

Our 12-month contract has nearly run its course and we are switching back to Ono. We’ll be paying less and getting television, free national land-line calls and faster Internet. They’re handling the Telefónica cancellation for us, and I can’t tell you what a weight off my shoulders that is.

Has anyone else had Telefónica horror stories that they’d like to share? Were we just unlucky? What telephone/Internet service do you use, and how has your experience been?

- Rent a car in Valencia

Hoping to drum up some post-summer business, the Valencia Bioparc is selling all tickets at their children’s price. Curiously, in their ads which trumpet this (“In September, we’re all children!”) they don’t bother to mention what exactly the children’s price is.

It’s €15,50. That’s still expensive, but a €5,50 discount on the normal adult tariff of €21. So if you’ve been meaning to check out this awesome zoo, September might be the right month to do it.

- ABC B&B Valencia

*Update: Schumi will be NOT racing in Valencia

For our German speaking readers: Tipps zum Michael Schumacher Rennen in Valencia

Photo: Christian Janke

Finally a bit of great news for Valencia! The legendary Michael Schumacher is stepping in for Ferrari and will be racing in the city’s Formula 1 race, held on August 23rd.

Just like that, Valencia will be hosting the most anticipated F1 race in years. Even I, who could care less about racing, am excited about it! Ticket sales for the race, which had been stagnating, are now sure to get a boost. Who needs stinking Alonso?!

Information on tickets is available on the official webpage fo the Fomula 1 in Valencia, via Corte Ingles or Bancaja. When everything is already sold out (which will happen quickly, if it hasn’t already), then Ebay might be able to help! Valencia Formula 1 Tickets.

Alright, so you’ve got your tickets, your Schumacher t-shirts and Ferrari ballcap… but how do you get to Valencia? You can try and find plane tickets to Valencia with our favorite price comparison egines:

Finally, the problem of finding accommodation. You can check out our list of hotels and hostels, but again — act quick or you might be out of luck. If you’re stumped, don’t hesitate in contacting us directly — we might be able to help out.

Here some budget handpicked budget places:

• Hostal El Cid
• Rooms Deluxe
• Beach Home (near the racetrack)
• Petit Palace Bristol

This is exciting! Schumacher is one of the most famousus sportsmen in the world, and Valencia has really been blessed with a stroke of luck.

- Photographer Valencia