In recent years, Valencia has faced a growing security threat during the Fallas festival due to the unauthorized use of pyrotechnics. In 2025, the situation escalated: police recorded a sharp increase in violations among foreign tourists, particularly from the Netherlands. This development raised concerns among local residents and authorities, as such incidents can have serious consequences for public order and the city’s image.
On Tuesday night, officers from the National Police, together with their Dutch counterparts, carried out a large operation to prevent so-called ‘extreme pyrotechnics.’ As a result, 17 reports were filed for violations related to the use of fireworks. No arrests were made, but law enforcement focused on citizens from the Netherlands to prevent dangerous situations. According to El Pais, details about the types of confiscated pyrotechnics have not yet been disclosed.
Measures and consequences
During the 2025 festivities, police seized 103 kilograms of pyrotechnic materials. In total, 97 foreign nationals, mostly from Central Europe, and 101 Spaniards were identified as being involved in unauthorized use of fireworks. The Valencia municipality expressed concern that most offenders were visitors, creating an imbalance and undermining the reputation of the traditional celebration.
Authorities have also taken note of tourist packages promoting trips to Valencia during Fallas for the purpose of participating in such incidents. According to El Pais, last year police detained 12 men aged 21 to 44 on suspicion of forming a criminal group, illegal possession of explosives, and assaulting law enforcement officers. These individuals coordinated their actions via social media to stage large-scale pyrotechnic battles and create chaos in the city’s streets.
Risks for residents
Mishandling and improper use of pyrotechnics have repeatedly led to dangerous situations. Notably, the area around the former Turia riverbed has seen powerful explosions resulting in shattered windows and deep craters in the asphalt. After the festival concluded, police reported identifying another 18 citizens from Central Europe linked to similar incidents in the same area.
Valencia’s fiscal authorities are seeking 27-year prison terms for a group of tourists accused of deliberately provoking unrest and spreading fear among the public by using homemade explosive devices during Nit del Foc. Five of them are specifically charged with participating in mass clashes with police, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Context and new challenges
According to El Pais, authorities in Valencia emphasize that such incidents not only pose a safety risk but also undermine trust in traditional festivities. In recent years, the city has faced the need to tighten control over mass events to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that the growing number of foreign participants in unauthorized pyrotechnic actions calls for new approaches to regulating tourism and public safety.
In the context of urban change, it’s worth noting that Valencia is not the only Spanish city where large-scale events are prompting a reassessment of security measures. For example, Catalonia is implementing major infrastructure renewal projects, which affect both festive events and transport accessibility. You can learn more about these initiatives in the article on new stops and changes in the Tres Chimeneas area in the review of Barcelona’s urban development projects.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in incidents where foreign tourists are held accountable for violations during major public festivals. In 2024, Seville reported similar cases involving pyrotechnics at Semana Santa, leading to stricter entry controls to the city. In Malaga, authorities also tightened security measures in 2023 after a series of explosions during Feria de Agosto. These events highlight the ongoing need to review how public order is maintained at large gatherings and to find a balance between tradition and safety.
