The Fallas calendar continues to unfold, and although we still don't know who will represent the city, the mystery surrounding their attire has been solved. The Central Fallas Board has officially released the list of artisans who combine tradition and youthful talent to create the dresses that the future Fallas Queens and their respective Courts of Honor will wear. This announcement is one of the most talked-about moments within the Fallas community, as it defines the aesthetic that will characterize the upcoming festival.
This year's selection process has not been without its administrative challenges, as some sections of the public tender initially received no bids. This situation was ultimately resolved through a negotiated procedure without prior publication to cover specific items such as children's second suits and black doublets. Despite these technical difficulties, the team of professionals is now complete and ready to begin working on the silks, laces, and metals that form part of Valencia's textile heritage.
Fabrics and silks for the Courts
The foundation of any formal regional dress lies in the quality of its fabrics, and on this occasion, the responsibility falls to names with an enviable track record. The production of the pieces for the Fallera Mayor's Court of Honor will be handled by the looms of the Valencian Silk Company , which will supply the fabrics for both official dresses, as well as those for the long-sleeved bodices and the fabric for the Fallera Mayor's second dress.
As for the youngest members of the festival, the fabrics for the Children's Court of Honor will be supplied by SederÃa Tradicional Valenciana , which brings its expertise in working with natural fibers. Just as with the older girls, this company will provide the materials for the two official dresses and long-sleeved bodices, ensuring that the girls wear the same high-quality craftsmanship as their fellow queens.
The tailoring: experience and new bets
In the sewing workshop, fabric is transformed into art, and this year's list of designers presents a very interesting mix. The first official dress of the Fallera Mayor of Valencia and her twelve attendants will once again be in the hands of Montaña Caballero and Serrano y Navalón , responsible for the first and second dresses respectively. Both firms have the confidence of the Board after demonstrating their expertise in previous years with traditional haute couture finishes.
One of the most pleasant surprises of this year's Fallas festival is the addition of familiar faces who are now moving behind the needle. For the creation of the black bodices, the workshop of Alicia Moreno, Fallera Mayor of 2016 , is making its debut under her brand, Mar de Somnis. This is an important step for this firm, which, after years of experience in the private sector, is now taking on the challenge of dressing the Fallas' most prominent ambassadors for the most solemn events of the year.
In the children's category, the competition has seen the debut of Da&Re and Les Espigues , companies from towns like Benaguacil and Quart de Poblet. This is especially significant, as it demonstrates that Fallas craftsmanship is thriving beyond the city limits. These workshops will be responsible for ensuring that the Fallas Queen and her Court wear impeccable designs, tailored to the comfort required by the youngest representatives.
Accessories and handmade jewelry
The final details are what complete the perfect ensemble, and in this area, the usual specialists are on hand. The mantillas, essential for illuminating the faces of the Fallas queens, will be crafted by the expert hands of Hijas de Carmen Esteve and Texor , who will share the creation of the pieces for the first and second dresses. Texor will also be responsible for the official hair combs, a distinctive element of the Valencian comb, for the third consecutive year.
The rest of the outfit is completed with pieces that guarantee elegance in every step and every gesture. The mantillas will be supplied by Alan Indumentaria, and Creaciones Aurora will be in charge of the official footwear, while the hairstyles will continue to be overseen by Realce. These suppliers ensure the consistent quality that has become the hallmark of the official attire of the Valencian Community.
With the confirmation of all these names, the entire artisanal machinery of the Fallas festival springs into action so that, once the eagerly awaited phone call comes, the new representatives will have everything ready to begin their journey. The work that now begins in the workshops will be what we admire in the streets and squares in a few months, keeping alive an industry that is the pride of an entire region.