Imagine an evening in the gentle Mediterranean breeze, the scent of orange blossoms in the air, and a festive pulse running through the streets – welcome to Valencia.

In this lecture, we travel to a region where local identity is strong and distinctive: its own language, bold traditions, and a deep sense of community shape everyday life in ways that differ from much of the rest of Spain.

During the lecture, we take a look at the spectacular Las Fallas festival, where art, satire and fire merge into a unique experience. We also explore how history, the sea and agriculture have influenced the culture, customs, cuisine and lifestyle of the Valencian region. Join us in discovering the story of Valencia – a culture that is deeply Spanish and yet proudly its own.

The lecture is given by Vili Korhonen, tour leader for Dos Caminos Travel Oy, a company specialising in Spanish language trips. Through his spouse and his own experiences, Vili has over 10 years of insight into the Valencian region, the Spanish language and local customs. He has lived in the city of Valencia, in Gandia and in Alcoy, and through his Spanish partner he has a rare window into everyday Valencian life.