What is my connection to Ron Cacique?

Although Cacique is the best-selling rum in Venezuela, I didn't discover it there but rather in Spain, where it's also a very popular type of rum.

More precisely, I got to know it in Valencia, during the local city festival called Fallas. Although this festival is not well-known internationally, it's of similar scale to events like the Cologne Carnival in Germany.

The Fallas festival is characterized by various activities that span from March 1st to the spectacular climax on March 19th. The festivities start with midday firecracker displays on the city's central square, known as the "Mascletà." These displays are rhythmically arranged, much like the truly impressive evening fireworks that take place on the last five days of the celebrations in the old riverbed of the Riu Turia.

As is customary with the Fallas, the Mascletàs and fireworks are judged, and it's all a big competition where everyone tries to outdo each other. The different neighborhoods of the city also compete against each other. Some districts have specialized in creating truly impressive light shows.

From each neighborhood, a "Fallera" is chosen – a woman dressed in traditional attire – and among them, the "Fallera Mayor" of the entire festival is crowned. Anyone who has seen a "Fallera" knows where George Lucas got the idea for Princess Leia's hairstyle.

At hundreds of spots around the city, small and large "Fallas" are set up, which are sometimes satirical and comical papier-mâché figures. The best ones are also awarded prizes. On March 19th, all of these "Fallas" are set on fire during the final night. The fire department of the entire Comunidad Valenciana seems to be on duty to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Since the "Fallas" are set up in small squares and street corners in the neighborhoods, they are often burned just a few meters away from the walls of buildings. I have seen 15-meter-tall "Fallas" being burned in squares that might be only 10x10 meters in size. When they collapse, a burning wooden beam might fall and come to rest against a building's wall. If the fire department didn't constantly spray water on the adjacent buildings, some houses might have already caught fire. However, it's all a lot of fun, happening amidst the enthusiasm of the tens of thousands of visitors.

In addition, there are many marquees, free open-air concerts, and overall, it's a great party. Popular drinks include "Cubatas," which is essentially a Cuba Libre, and various other long drinks, including vodka with lemonade. Unlike many similar events in other places, higher-quality spirits are mixed here, and Cacique rum is frequently used for Cuba Libres. That's how I got to know it, and that's how I'll always associate it with one of the best street parties I know.