In pictures: Fiesta in Valencia

Every year, in the third week of March, giant sculptures and crowds of people fill the streets of Valencia for the fiesta of Las Fallas.

The sculptures of wood, papier mache and polystyrene are based on a theme - often mocking politicians of the moment, such as Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

More than 100,000 revellers - known as falleras and falleros - don traditional costume for three days of street parades. (Photo: Oliver Owen)

The fallas and smaller "ninots" surrounding them are designed by professional artists but commissioned by a neighbourhood association or "casal". (Photo: Oliver Owen)

The climax of the festival is "La Crema" (burning), when the sculptures are doused in petrol and set alight at midnight in spectacular fashion.

After a year of preparation and only four days on public display, all the work goes up in smoke in seconds.

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