For the 6th year in a row, Nou Campanar (location)walks off with the trophy for a mammoth, expensive monument that other commissions just weren’t able to match in scale. Even those who didn’t especially appreciate the aesthetic of this year’s monument, inspired by the world of fashion, have to admire the willingness of Nou Campanar to try something new.

And certainly, this monument was something new. For those accustomed to the bizarre, cartoony creations that are normally synonymous with Fallas, the sleek and fashionable characters of Nou Campanar must have come as a shock. It was wonderfully executed — the artistry on display in the towering fashion models can’t fail to impress.

We especially loved the lady holding out a piece of fabric, which seemed to flow gracefully onto the floor. An amazing piece of work for such a gigantic statue. The monument was the most expensive of all time, costing over €900,000. That’s over a million dollars! For a monument that stands for 4 days before being set aflame. Unbelievable — if I were a homeless person, looking for a job or a meal on the streets of Valencia, I think I would lose it.

While there was much to admire and be astounded by, this monument ultimately left us cold. We felt a bit disillusioned when it was pronounced champion. This was one of the few Fallas that didn’t illicit laughter during our visit, so we felt as though the jury was rewarding Nou Campanar’s willingness to spend big. Still, they were also rewarding innovation, and Nou Campanar certainly deserves to be recognized for that.

– ABC B&B in Valencia

Plaza del Pilar may have finished in 2nd place, but this tremendous monument was undoubtedly the people’s champion. Over and over, we heard people say things like “I can’t believe Pilar didn’t win”, “Obvious that Pilar deserved it”, “A disgrace”.

And we agree wholeheartedly. In our minds, there is no doubt that Pilar put together by far the most magnificent monument of 2009 — outclassing the champion in scope, style, ambition, humor, originality and theme. If you managed to squeeze into the tiny and always densely-packed area of the Plaza del Pilar, you were guaranteed to be astounded.

“A night at the opera” was executed to perfection by artist José Lafarga, who was marking his debut in the Sección Especial. A huge Phantom of the Opera was the most prominent piece, but there was so much more… frisky antics in orchestra seats, a podium and cello with amazingly lifelike wood-work detail, flamenco dancers, funny horses, and a mock wedding with the leaders of the world celebrating (who else?) Obama. There was almost too much to see.

It’s a shame that Plaza del Pilar didn’t win because, to this foreigner’s eyes, it captured to perfection everything Fallas monuments should aspire to. Maybe next year.

– Cheap Car Hire Valencia

Convento Jerusalén-Matemático Marzal boasted our favorite Fallas monument of 2008, and we chose it again this year to watch the cremà (location). This model’s theme was about the fallero world in general, with different scenes from Valencia and Valencian life portrayed.

As it was last year, the monument was breathtakingly beautiful. Crowned by three gigantic naked falleras supported by a buckled, sack-carrying man, the creation offered Valencians a chance to really reflect on all the things that make this region special.

There was a group of older people playing cards, a mock funeral for Convento’s main rival “Nou Castañar” (slightly misspelled) and, our favorite feature, a recreation of the facade of the Marquis de Dos Aguas. Everything was wonderfully detailed. And it was a strange delight to see it all engulfed in flames.

Watch this Falla burn:

Link: La Cremà of Convento Jerusalén 2009

Falla Convento Jerusalén: Official Web Site
Location on our Fallas 2009 Map

Partying was the theme of Exposición-Micer Mascó’s gigantic monument this year (location), although when the prizes were given out, the Fallas commission probably didn’t feel much like dancing. Their sights had been set on something higher than 4th place.

We felt, though, that the ranking was probably correct. There was a lot of detail in this monument, and a lot to see. Amy Winehouse and Barack Obama — those two foreigners who showed up in so many monuments — made an appearance here as well. We saw a huge “Milka” cow, and a whole lot of funky people partying down.

Exposición enjoys one of the most spacious lots of all the Fallas monuments, and they certainly use it to their advantage. The size and breadth of detail was amazing, and with perhaps a bit more humor and originality, they could probably have walked off with the trophy.

Falla Exposición: Official Website
Location on our Google Map

The monument of Almirante Cadarso-Conde Altea (location) featured a carload of Spaniards traveling to Spain — only to encounter a group of aliens which already know all about low-cost tourism.

With a keen eye towards politics and current affairs, Almirante Cadarso was able to wrap up 5th place. Those versed in contemporary Spanish & Valencian news would have no problem spotting the various figures which appeared: Zapatero, just finishing up a satisfying dump; Judge Garzón with belt (in reference to the Caso Gürtel); Davids Villa & Silva resignedly hauling away their packed bags (Valencians take it as a given that their best soccer players are not long for the club).

Overall, it was a monument which impressed with its size and scope. Well done!