On Monday evening, the Valencia City Hall hosted a highly anticipated ceremony for all Fallas enthusiasts. It was here that the names of the two girls who will become the symbols of the 2026 festival were announced. Carmen Prades from the Convento Jerusalén-Matemático Marzal commission and Marta Mercader from falla Alberic-Heroi Romeu have now been officially recognized as the Falleras Mayores of Valencia.
Carmen, 25, balances working at her family’s company with her studies. She already holds a degree in Transport and Logistics and is now completing another stage of her education. She has been involved in the Fallas world since the age of 12 and has received the prestigious Bunyol d’Or award. Within her commission, Carmen is an active organizer of children’s events and protocol activities. For her, the most exciting moment of the festival has always been the ‘Plantà’—that is when she feels part of a great creative process.
Marta Mercader, just 10 years old, is in fifth grade and has grown up surrounded by the spirit of Fallas. She has already earned the Distintiu d’Argent, and her favorite event is the Ofrenda, though she enjoys many aspects of the festival. The girl studies ballet, sings in a choir—sometimes as a soloist—and loves to read and travel with her family. Interestingly, her mother was also Fallera Mayor in 1997, and a year later became the first ever Queen of Fallas at the Ateneo Mercantil de València.
The name announcement ceremony consisted of several stages. First, the presidents of the commissions, jury members, and festival representatives gathered in the hall. The city’s mayor, María José Catalá, entered with envelopes containing the coveted names. After receiving official permission, she opened the envelopes and personally called each girl to share the joyful news. Marta couldn’t hold back her tears, while Carmen admitted she still can’t believe what is happening.
Interestingly, both new Falleras represent commissions from the same sector — La Roqueta-Arrancapins. This year has been especially successful for Convento Jerusalén-Matemático Marzal: their commission recently won the top prize in both categories at Fallas 2025 and also saved the best ninot from the flames. Carmen notes that lately she has become interested in playing truc, and she also enjoys celebrating Saint Christopher’s Day with her family — since transport and logistics are not just work for her, but a way of life.
Although still young, Marta already feels confident on stage and in the spotlight. She happily accepts congratulations and is preparing for a busy year ahead as the main Fallas girl. Both girls have a year full of meetings, events, and, of course, unforgettable emotions ahead of them.
