Although all six Fallas commissions in Tavernes de la Valldigna have been awarded by the Generalitat Valenciana for their use of Valencian in their 'llibrets', the outcome was not as expected. Some commissions have already voiced their dissatisfaction through official channels, pointing to a change in the evaluation.
This year's call for entries stipulated that a Falla could earn up to 20 points for the originality of the 'llibret' format. The “presentation and design” criterion assesses aspects such as editing quality, typographic composition, image reproduction, paper quality, printing, binding, and innovation in layout and book design.
The Federació de Falles Junta Local Fallera de Tavernes had already denounced weeks ago that the regulations introduced criteria that, in practice, respond more to economic parameters than cultural ones.
“"They have only valued the invoices submitted and have disregarded any display of affection for literature in our language."
The Portal de la Valldigna Falla, which secured 26th place, was one of the first to speak out. The commission asserted that “on the occasion of Book Day, we want to highlight what truly matters.”
“"Today is not a day to talk about invoices. It is a day to talk about language. About the work and dedication of our 'falleros' and 'falleras'. About the culture we build together. Because behind every page there is effort, affection, and identity. We continue to make culture. We continue to make 'llibrets'."
The La Dula Falla also expressed criticism. The commission received the 69th award, despite having reached 37th place last year. They lament that the Consell published the resolution on Book Day, a date that champions reading and culture.
“"This discredit and contempt by the institutions will not silence us, and we will continue to create 'llibrets' to promote our culture and our festival."
They used the statement to highlight “the great work of all the 'llibret' teams from all the Fallas in the Valencian Country.”
