Since moving to Valencia, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the Fallas festival firsthand. It’s a spectacle unlike anything else—massive, beautifully crafted sculptures, breathtaking fireworks, music in the streets, and a powerful sense of community. But beyond the celebrations, Fallas holds a deeper lesson about what it takes to build a strong, thriving culture—whether in a city or within a company.
In today’s workplace, disengagement is at an all-time high. According to Gallup, only 32% of employees feel engaged at work. The rest? Either quietly quitting or actively disengaged. So, what can we learn from a 200-year-old tradition about fostering connection, purpose, and growth?
1. A Strong Culture Creates Belonging
Fallas isn’t just a festival; it’s an identity. Generations of Valencians participate, passing down traditions, strengthening bonds, and ensuring everyone feels part of something bigger than themselves.
➡️ In organizations, the same principle applies. Employees who feel a sense of belonging are 3.5 times more likely to contribute their full potential (Deloitte).
How to apply it:
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Foster a culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
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Build rituals—team traditions, shared milestones, meaningful celebrations.
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Encourage collaboration across teams to break silos and increase connection.
2. A Clear Vision Unites Everyone
Every ninot (sculpture) at Fallas starts as a vision. Artists, engineers, and musicians all align on one goal—to create something spectacular.
➡️ In business, clarity of purpose is essential. Research from McKinsey shows that 70% of employees feel more engaged when they understand the company’s vision and how their work contributes to it.
How to apply it:
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Regularly communicate your company’s mission and how each role fits into it.
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Involve employees in strategic decisions to increase buy-in.
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Align team goals with the organization’s purpose.
3. Celebrating Progress Fuels Motivation
Months of effort go into preparing for Fallas, and throughout the process, there are small victories—design approvals, construction milestones, rehearsals.
➡️ Workplace studies show that teams that celebrate small wins experience 31% higher productivity (Gallup).
How to apply it:
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Recognize and reward progress, not just outcomes.
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Create a culture where feedback and acknowledgment are part of daily operations.
4. Letting Go Fuels Innovation
One of the most symbolic moments of Fallas is the burning of the sculptures. It’s a ritual of renewal—letting go of the old to make space for the new.
➡️ Organizations that embrace change are 6X more likely to be market leaders (Bain & Company).
How to apply it:
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Encourage experimentation and innovation.
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Foster a mindset where failure is seen as learning, not loss.
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Challenge outdated processes and continuously evolve.
Fallas is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to how culture, vision, and adaptability create something extraordinary.
If organizations embraced these same principles, they wouldn’t just build teams—they’d build movements.
Your turn: What’s one tradition or cultural practice that has inspired you in your leadership journey?
To your success,
Isabel
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Isabel Valle is an award-winning Peak Performance Strategist and global leadership coach, dedicated to helping executives and business leaders achieve sustainable success. Through her acclaimed programs like Leadership Reimagined and Lead365, Isabel equips leaders with the tools to foster innovation, build high-performing teams, and thrive in a fast-evolving world. A sought-after speaker and author, Isabel blends data-driven insights with a human-centered approach to deliver transformative results. Learn more at www.isabelvalle.com.
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