An image of Mary, in her role as the Virgen de los Desamparados, is bedecked with hundreds of thousands of flowers during the Ofrenda de Flores, part of Las Fallas, a religious celebration held each year in Valencia, Spain.

La Virgen de los Desamparados (“Our Lady of the Forsaken”) is the patron saint of the Kingdom of Valencia.

During a two day procession — March 17 and 18 each year — members of all the Fallas Committees present their bouquets of flowers. Volunteers place each on an enormous image of the Virgin, which stands in the center of the plaza named after her in front of the basilica.

A parade of thousands upon thousands of “Falleras” and “Falleros” fills the city streets, wearing regional costumes and carrying their floral offering. Each committee walks with its own music band.

Las Fallas takes place every year in the days preceding St. Joseph’s Feast Day (March 19).

(Photos ©2007 Susan McKee)