.jpg)
A study by Universitat de València confirms the strong economical, social and territorial impact of the Fallas festivity in the city and the region
Gandia fallas generate a total economic impact of 40.83 million euros, contributing 14.85 euros to the GDP and offering 377 jobs equivalent to full-time jobs, according to the Study of economical and social impact of Gandia Fallas by the Chair of Territory Thinking Joan Noguera of Universitat de València in collaboration with the Gandia Local Fallas Council.
The report confirms that Fallas are not only a culture and patrimony manifestation, but also one of the main economic engines of the city, based on scientific analysis Input-Output methodology and queries to falleres and faellers, commissions, inhabitants and visitors.
An elevated economic comeback of public investment
The study highlights the high revenue of the municipal investment: the City Council of Gandia generated 5.8 million euros in business invoicing for every 100 000 euros, 2.1 million euros in GDP and 54 jobs equivalent to full-time. A result that showcases the cultural policies capability to promote local economy and employment.
Of the 40 million of impact, almost 70 % comes from indirect or induces effects, showing the attractive capability of the Fallas for the Valencian production system. The extension of the final demand is near 12.4 million euros in direct expenses, increasing throughout the chain of value.
Fallers and falleres, main impact generators
Falleres and fallers hold almost 50 % of total impact with over 19.7 million euros of invoicing, followed by Fallas commissions (10.1 millions) and visitor and inhabitants, holding 20 % of the total economical impact.
The study highlights the service sector concentrating 80 % of GDP impact and 75 % of employment generated, particularly in commerce, hospitality, cultural and creative activities, professional services and real-estate activities. The industry has also gained benefit, with 12.3 % of added value impact and 18 % employment impact, confirming that the Fallas effect reaches further than tourism and restaurant business.
Adding to the economical impact, the report highlights the social and territorial value of Gandia Fallas as a space of collective identity, social cohesion and community promotion, aligned with the principles of sustainable local development promoted by Chair Joan Noguera.
Recognising the faller work
President of the Gandia Fallas Federation Francisco Martínez highlighted that the study calculates a reality of the faller world going on for decades: Fallas are a cultural activity that generates economy, employment and city throughout the year. Martínez stated the crucial role the Fallas commissions play, a collective effort holding a festive model benefitting the Gandia group and strengthening the social and association tissue.
Culture, identity and local development
Head of the Chair Joan Noguera, Adrián Ferrandis, mentioned that Gandia Fallas constitute a clear example of how popular-rooted festivities can act as an engine for local development with more than just economical impact. According to Ferrandis, the study makes evident that strategically managed culture can generate social cohesion, collective identity and sustainable economical activity for the territory.
The study was directed by Adrián Ferrandis Martínez with coordination of José Vicente sánchez Cabrera and participation of a Universitat de València multidisciplinary team specialised in economics, geography and tourism.
