Fallas Festival Chaos & UK-Spain Ties: A Brexit Rethink?

Valencia, Spain – Spanish and Dutch police detained 17 Dutch citizens in Valencia on Tuesday as authorities crack down on what they describe as “pyrotechnic hooliganism” during the city’s annual Fallas festival. The arrests, which involved fines but no formal detentions, come amid growing concern over the increasing number of foreign visitors travelling to Spain specifically to engage in dangerous and illegal firework displays.

The Fallas festival, a week-long celebration of art, fire and community, culminates in the burning of elaborate ninots – large-scale papier-mâché figures – on the final night. While the festival is renowned for its official, controlled pyrotechnic displays, known as Mascletàs, authorities are struggling to contain a parallel wave of unsanctioned and often reckless activity.

Last year, Spanish national police arrested 12 individuals from various EU countries during Fallas, accusing them of possessing illegal explosives, causing public disorder, and assaulting officers. The group allegedly coordinated their activities through social media, bringing homemade pyrotechnics intended to maximize noise and disruption. Earlier this year, on the final night of the festival, another 18 people of Central European origin were apprehended for using pyrotechnic material in the Turia riverbed. A large explosion near the riverbed at approximately 1:00 a.m. Shattered windows and created a sinkhole half a metre deep.

Valencia City Council has issued a warning about the “disproportionate” amount of uncivil behaviour exhibited by foreign visitors during Fallas, despite roughly equal numbers of Spanish nationals likewise being arrested for similar offenses. The council acknowledges that the influx of international tourists, drawn by the festival’s growing popularity, is contributing to the problem, mirroring issues seen at other Spanish festivals like Carnival and the running of the bulls in Pamplona.

In separate news, strengthened business ties between the UK and Spain are prompting discussion about a potential softening of post-Brexit relations. UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves met with Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo and other Spanish business leaders this week to sign new agreements and address bureaucratic barriers to trade. While the agreements do not currently include changes to the 90-day visa rule for British citizens wishing to stay in Spain, Reeves stated on Tuesday that Britain risks being “stranded” between trading blocs if it doesn’t pursue closer ties with the EU.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed this sentiment in a recent appearance on the “The Rest is Politics” podcast, stating, “I believe it was a mistake for the UK to abandon the European Union.” Sánchez added that data suggests the decision was “not the correct one” and expressed a desire to see the UK “on board again.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also urged the Labour party to campaign on rejoining the EU at the next election. Professor John Curtice, a political analyst at the University of Strathclyde, recently published an article noting a shift in Labour’s Brexit focus towards appealing to Remain voters.

Reeves indicated that the UK views its relationship with Spain as a “trial run” for potential improvements in its broader relationship with the EU. The outcome of these strengthened ties, and whether they will lead to changes in freedom of movement or visa exemptions, remains to be seen.