Valencia in flames

Britons heading to Spain on a cross-channel ferry next month could experience one of the city's most spectacular festivals.

The city's main square, known as the Plaza Ayuntamiento, comes alive with flames for the Las Falllas festival. One of the best events on Valencia's calendar, this year the festival opens on March 15th and runs for a total of five days.

Giant paper mache models - or ninots - decorate the streets and parades of costumed revellers lead the celebrations of Saint Joseph which culminate in public bonfires. The paper mache figures - often measuring up to 20 foot - are burnt in the main square and the night sky is illuminated with spectacular firework displays, reports whatsonwhen.

Up to two million people attend the festival each year with a full calendar of family-friendly events scheduled to take place over the five days.