CSN News: IN PICS: Las Fallas Sculptures reveal harsh criticism of Valencian officials after deadly flooding

VALENCIANS used the traditional Fallas Festival to express their anger after hundreds of people were killed by tragic flooding in October last year.

Burning satirical models on the streets is the region’s most iconic festival, which celebrates the arrival spring. 

This year’s Ninot Exhibition – which displays the smaller figures that make up larger fallas scenes – revealed a range of designs criticising how the DANA Storms were handled last year. 

The scenes were held at the Museo de las Ciencias and often refer to the late warning sent to citizens, while many of them were already fighting floods. 

The sculpture of a disembodied arm is pictured sticking out from the mud while holding their phone. Carlos Mazon, the regional leader, holds a bottle wine with glee, in reference to his dinner before attending crisis meetings.

Other ninots referenced Sanchez’s statement, ‘if you want help, ask for it’ over a ‘University of Lies, Falsehoods and Cynicism’ podium reading: “If you want to feel like a politician, step right up!”

Another shows Pedro Sanchez’s suggesting the Valencian Community should ‘ask for help’, showing the Prime Minister standing over a muddy Mazon.

Many people used the fallera, the traditional figure of a female dressed in the typical Fallas clothing, to demonstrate the destruction. 

One sculpture featured a fallenera crying out in pain and covered with mud as she reached for help.

Meanwhile others applauded volunteers who flocked to help, many bearing the phrase ‘only the people save the people’. 

The rescue of a dog and a woman in Utiel was one such heartwarming moment. 

Valencians will see the figures displayed on the streets today and then burned at the close of the festival.

Only a few people chosen by the public can be saved.