BIG FALLA
"FROM BODY BUILDER CULTURES TO HUNGRY SUPERHEROES"
*Falles is the name of this Valencian festival.
In addition, it is the name of the associations that join the festival and of the monuments that they present each year and will be burned on March 19.
Faller/Fallera is the person who belongs to a Falla.
Casal is the place/house where the Falla (association) enjoys the party.
Faller artist is the person who creates the monuments of the Falles.
Fights belong
to life and human beings
and we won’t move forward
if peace is not secured.
Past cultures
and pointless fights,
there are no wars won
nor do we know
who the enemy is.
Too many wars
going on in the world
as we refuse to learn
from the recent past
which marked us for so long.
The Spartan fighter
gazes at us in sorrow
despite being so quiet
he knows the struggle and the war.
Stealthily like a cougar
the battle can begin,
yet we prefer peace,
life and laughter, indeed.
With the shield we’ll protect
everything that matters to us
since we really want
less conflicts and more fun.
Flinting is the sculptor
looking at us in surprise,
as we have left a world
no one can understand.
Politicians and disputes
every new elections they appear
and the citizen bearing
new taxes, blows and tricks.
When things go wrong
no one takes the blame,
yet success is always shared
and very few complain.
There are no superheroes left
because that is a big duty
and so we find it more attractive
what a modern life can bring.
Fast food rules
in this crazy world
Oh dear, a paella
is the choice for experts only.
Even the great geniuses
refuse to be warriors
and accept any job
just for a living.
We live on the phone,
series and platforms
when what actually matters is
to enjoy people.
A chat, a coffee,
old mates and new friends
these are what we must make
to be better and nicer.
It is really old-fashioned
fighting for fighting
and also nonsense:
was is a nightmare.
What a battle life can be
and paying premium for oil,
if we were a little bit freer
everything would rock.
Moving forward with culture
and new generations to come
is a fair bet
for a united future.
We, the Valencian people,
turn battle into festival
fireworks become a spark
and we affirm our land.
Past cultures
well passed down they are.
When there’s a will, there’s a way
and no one will defeat us.
We may change trends
While the Earth goes round and round,
yet flowers will not bloom
thanks to the AI.
Let’s lay down arms and shields
and face the world
break down barriers and walls
for dignified years to come.
Author: José V. Sala
Translation to English: Gemma Fullana