Video, photos and story by Emma Jiayue Liu
Battle of Flowers marks a community’s pride in Valencia, Spain.
A spectacular parade of floats decorated with natural flowers traveled along the Paseo de la Alameda on the last Sunday night of July. People come to Valencia to enjoy this colorful parade. All attending, including locals and tourists, throw flowers and petals.
One mother attending said, “It has been a long time I haven’t come here. Last time was 10 years ago at least. Now I have kids with me. It looks different but it’s really all the same thing, we grab flowers and then we throw them to people. Nothing changed!”
Blanca Gamborino decorates flower to the float. Photo by Cynthia Pleitez.
Blanca Gamborino – “I really like taking part of Valencian tradition, Valencia is my land. I really like participating, discovering it and getting to know it better, but most of all… participate!”
Carolina and Ainara first time participate in the Battle of Flowers. Photo by Cynthia Pleitez.
“When they throw us flowers. we use the rackets to throw them back to the people.” Carolina added.
Antonio Sanchez shows his first prize in three categories for the Battle of Flowers last year. Photo by Cynthia.
Antonio Sanchez said: “I am very happy, really happy. My parents did this and their parents. Now my son starts to do it too. It’s been generations.”
Falla lady passes by. Photo by Cynthia Pleitez.
This is Valencia 