One might think that it is because of its always radiant sky or because of its festive character or because its gastronomy gladdens the palate and hearts. Probably, these were some of the important factors for which Valencia was exalted, last January, as nothing less than the best city in the world to live.
It was Forbes magazine that echoed this ranking prepared by InterNations, the largest community of expatriates that exists, that is, of citizens who, for work reasons, live outside their countries with proper documentation. It was about measuring the happiness of the metropolises and they themselves placed the capital of Túria on the podium, ahead of Dubai and Mexico City, which took second and third place.
But it is not the only title that this Mediterranean city has treasured in recent times. While in 2022 it was, in turn, the world capital of design and the European capital of smart tourism, in 2024 it will finally have achieved the very prestigious green capital. All this in a context in which it faces a full schedule of events and commemorations. Just in these days when the fallas are lived in all their intensity, Valencia is, allow the joke, completely on fire.
More than a million people hope to attract this year its big party that, now, arrives free of all the restrictions imposed in previous years. Las Fallas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, reaches its peak from March 15 to 19, when the famous cremà takes place with the burning of the monuments according to a centuries-old tradition.
But since the beginning of the month this celebration has been lived with gunpowder. The appointment is at two in the afternoon in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where there are mascletàs every day until the time when the fallas are reduced to ashes. But beware, each day offers a different fireworks. Far from thundering like crazy, there is a whole ritual with its own development, climax and outcome.
This year, in addition, there is a novelty. For the first time in history it is a woman, Marina Puche, who has designed the municipal falla, the most important of the festival. Her work, titled Cardioversió Valenciana, reflects on the new post-pandemic habits with a giant heart that, after a while in suspense, recovers its heartbeat, just as orange trees blossom into orange blossom every spring.
But if there is an event that places Valencia in the spotlight, it is the commemoration of the hundred years since the death of Joaquín Sorolla, the painter who has best known how to capture the light of the Mediterranean. An opportunity to embark on a route through the places related to his figure, from the vicinity of the Lonja de la Seda, (there in the neighborhood where he was born) to the Malvarrosa beach, where he immortalized the fishing scenes, children’s games, the marine atmosphere, the emotional power of the movement of the water.
And also an opportunity, of course, to enjoy his artistic legacy. From the famous El grito del Palleter in the Palau de la Generalitat to the oil paintings that rest in the Museum of Fine Arts, such as Clotilde contemplating the Venus de Milo or Portrait of the treble Isabel Bru. But above all to enjoy, until June 11, the exhibition De la foscor a la llum, in the Palacio de las Comunicaciones (former Post Office building in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento), where the canvas Yo soy el pan de life.
As if that were not enough, you can even discover what Sorolla tastes like with the Tribute to the Master menu by Jorge de Andrés, the prestigious chef of the Vertical restaurant. Fourteen dishes inspired by works such as El concejo del roncal or Las grupas to savor the heritage of the most universal artist that the terreta has produced.
Valencia can boast gastronomy in 2023 for a reason. The most prestigious chefs in the world will meet at this gala, which will be held on June 20 at Les Arts, within the iconic Ciutat de les Arts and Ciències complex.
It will be time to show the world the long culinary tradition that this city sustains, of which renowned names such as Quique Dacosta, Ricard Camarena or Begoña Rodrigo are ambassadors. An art that has the privilege of having large natural pantries such as the Albufera Natural Park, where you can stock up on precious rice, the orchard that embraces the framework (it is the only city in the world with a peri-urban agricultural space) or the same Mediterranean that provides fresh fish.
In Valencia, eating is a serious thing, as the smorzaret already demonstrates early in the morning: around nine-thirty. This typical Valencian lunch, based on hearty sandwiches, has its origins in the snack that the farmer who began his day with sunrise and had to stop after a few hours to recover his strength.
Today it is the office workers who follow this tradition, for which there is a special place: Alenar, a Mediterranean winery where the sandwich has such a delicious repertoire that it is difficult to choose: brascada, al’ast chicken with baked potatoes, figatells with Baby broad beans, shredded lamb on sweet potato puree… And all this with its essential cremaet, a kind of carajillo with coffee, rum and cinnamon.
Going on a trip to Valencia is experiencing the opportunity to treat your stomach. With a paella, of course, our most universal dish, in an urban rice restaurant like Jauja. But also with the most contemporary creations from its eight Michelin-starred restaurants or with timeless classics such as Casa Montaña, the mythical hundred-year-old tavern in the Cabanyal area.
Or if not, there will always be the markets, authentic showcases of the wealth of Valencian products. From the emblematic Central market with its impressive modernist structure, to the last to arrive: the groundbreaking Imprenta market, a few steps from the train station, with around twenty stalls from local companies (no franchises) and several bars drinks. A place where space is also given to fairs, workshops, exhibitions… to pair culture with gastronomy.
