Mar Moncho was named Fallera Mayor de Dénia on May 6, 2023, a long period until reaching the big party, the Fallas. These days culminate an experience whose protagonist describes as "incredible and unforgettable." The Fallera from Baix la Mar tells us in this interview what his experience has been like in this process and what he expects in the coming days, when the monuments and flames arrive in the city.
ASK. What did you feel when they told you that you were Fallera Mayor de Dénia?
ANSWER. It is an inexplicable feeling, it was as if I had won the lottery, or better. Sentí Something incredible, I don't even know how to describe it. It's something that you've been waiting for all your life and that suddenly comes to you and you say "wow, I'm the Fallera Mayor of my town, incredible."
Q. Did you expect it? What was the moment like when you discovered it was you?
R. I did not expect. There were five of us, we were each at her house and it was broadcast on the radio. The mayor, from City Hall, calls you. The moment I saw him calling me and my phone lit up... it was... oh my, we were all jumping for joy and I couldn't believe it.
Q. How long have you been a fallera? Does it come from family?
R. For more than twenty years, since I was three. In my house we have always been Falleros.
Q. Was it the first time you performed?
R. Well, when I was little I went to the Court of the Fallera Mayor Infantil of Dénia. Then, last year I was Fallera Mayor of my Baix la Mar fails and, from there, to Fallera Mayor de Dénia.
Q. Why did you run for Fallera Mayor?
R. Well, because when I was little I had very good memories of the Local Board and I really wanted to live that experience as an adult, being part of the Greater Court of Honor is a unique event and I wanted to live it.
Q. A lot of time passes from when you are chosen until the Fallas are, how is that wait?
R. Well, the truth is that we haven't stopped since the day they elected us. We have been holding events all year, both in Dénia and abroad, and the truth is that I have been very happy with it. Now we are looking forward to the next few days.
Q. How do you get along with the Court of Honor?
R. Well, very well, we became friends last year, we were all major fallers of our commission - except María, who was exempt - but we all formed a great team and we got along very well. I am very happy to spend this time with them.
Q. How did you prepare for the Cridá speech? Did you feel pressure?
R. Well, I started preparing for it since November, because I wanted to take it easy, and the truth is that I haven't felt any pressure. It is a responsibility, because it is one of the most crowded events and where we have the opportunity to address all of Dénia. well maybe sentí a little bit, because in the end you are in front of the entire city, but I said what sentíOh, what I wanted to say at that moment and I'm very satisfied, I'll stick with that.
Q. Did it occur to you to express “Ja estem en Falles” with sign language?
R. Yes, in my absence I am part of the Equality and Diversity Delegation and it is something that we always keep in mind. I also worked at the Equality Observatory of the UNED of Dénia. So, it occurred to me, I mentioned it to my Court, we thought it was a very good idea and we went ahead. We looked up how to say “Ja estem en Falles” with sign language and we did it.
Q. What do you expect from the next few days?
R. Well, I'm really looking forward to them, to these moments in the street, to the plant, to dressing up as Fallas, to the three days of Fallas. I am very excited and I think it will be unforgettable, that we will have a great time. We will never forget it.
Q. How many dresses do you have?
R. Well, I'm lucky that last year I was the Fallera Mayor of my falla, so I already had two. This year I made three more and will have about five or six, plus the long-sleeved bras. With what I have, I'm doing well, the truth is that I'm not complaining.
Q. What is the Fallas day that you enjoy the most?
R. For me the best day is the first, which is the day of the awards and we are very nervous to know who has won, who has not... it is a day with many emotions. Above are all the monuments on the street, you can already see them. It is also very nice to see us at City Hall cheering on our failures. The first day is that it is unique.
Q. Are you one of those who cries with Cremà? Do you think you'll cry when the failures are over?
R. Yes, I think I will cry. Both last year as Fallera Mayor of my falla, like this one, of Dénia, I know I will cry because an unforgettable year is coming to an end and I have had a great time, I have enjoyed it a lot. I take with me a lot of memories, a lot of experiences and it has been a very intense year, but now that it is coming to the end I don't want it to end, so I think a few tears will fall.
Q. Are you a student or do you work? How do you combine that with being Fallera Mayor?
R. Well, I was working until January and the truth is that I was able to combine it well because my job allowed me to telework and adapt the day to my needs. Right now I am studying the first year of a doctorate, so, until Fallas is finished, I will not begin to dedicate myself more to it.
Q. How is your social life during these weeks?
R. We have all the weekends full, and during the week we also have some events, it's non-stop.
Q. Have you ever been stressed about being a Fallera Mayor?
R. No, I'm fine with it because I like it a lot. I love dressing up as a fallera and, every time I have a new thing on the agenda, I am happy.
Q. What is the best thing about being Fallera Mayor?
R. The best thing is everything that being Fallera Mayor allows you, like meeting many people, experiencing new events, new experiences, it is incredible.
Q. And the worst?
R. The hours of sleep you can spend or having to sleep with your hair done because you have many events, getting up early or going to bed late.
Q. Finally, are you a churros fan or a buñuelos fan?
R. Of fritters (he says between laughs).
