The Ninot Indultat: the only one saved from the fire in Fallas

“Las Fallas” are fire, satire and ephemeral art but every year, a ninot manages to dodge the flames and become part of the history of Valencia. The figure is known as the “Ninot Indultat”; the only figure that is saved from “La Cremà” by popular vote, and becomes part of  the Fallas Museum of Valencia.

How did it all begin?

Before the official pardon existed, there were already “ninots” that were spared from burning.

In 1914, it was the bust of the composer Wagner, and then the figure of Jaume I in 1922.

There were also other “ninots” that were rescued because they were popular with the public, such as the one of a boy spraying perfume in 1925.

But the big change came in 1934, when artist Regino Mas proposed that the public should choose a “ninot” to be pardoned.

This paved the way for the Ninot Exhibition, and the first “ninot” to be saved was “Abuela y nieta” (Grandmother and granddaughter), with 23,000 votes in its favour.

And what about the children's “ninots”?

It was not until 1963 that the first one was pardoned: “Pinocchio and Gepetto”.

Since then, a children's “ninot” and a large falla “ninot” are saved every year by popular vote, in addition to those pardoned by the “Gremio de Artistas Falleros” (Guild of Fallas Artists) with other criteria. And they all become part of the Fallas Museum!

Ninots indultats 2025

The ninot indultat infantil of 2025 has been the one from Falla Duc de Gaeta-Pobla de Farnals, obtaining 11,810 votes out of the 60,726 cast in the Exposición del Ninot. Created by Mario Pérez, it is part of the children’s falla "Els misteris del Duc" from the Camins al Grau sector. This is the fifth ninot indultat infantil for this committee, following those achieved in 2000, 2001, 2017, and 2024.

Would you like to discover them?