Mar 12 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Jesús Alba, an acoustics expert: "It's not a myth: it's advisable to open your mouth during the 'mascletà'"

Jesús Alba, a physicist and musician, provides advice on how to enjoy the 'mascletà' celebrations in Valencia without damaging one's hearing, emphasizing the importance of proper acoustics.

Jesús Alba, a professor of Applied Physics at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia and an experienced musician, discusses the cultural significance and acoustics of the 'mascletà' celebrations, which are a highlight of the Fallas festival. As the festival draws large crowds to the central plaza daily, Alba emphasizes the phenomena of sound during these celebrations, where the powerful firecracker displays create a unique auditory experience. He shares practical recommendations on how to safely enjoy the festivities without risking hearing damage, specifically advising festival-goers to open their mouths to mitigate the impact of sound waves.

The Fallas festival, celebrated from March 15-19, has been a long-standing tradition in which the locals bet on enhancing their auditory experiences through extravagant pyrotechnic displays. Alba's insights come at a crucial time when awareness of noise-induced hearing loss is more significant than ever, especially in environments filled with loud celebrations. His advice resonates with both locals and tourists who wish to partake in the excitement of the 'mascletà' while maintaining their hearing health.

In a broader context, Alba's perspective not only highlights the festive aspects of Valencian culture but also brings attention to public health considerations associated with such loud festivities. The fusion of tradition and science in his recommendations showcases the importance of being mindful in celebratory contexts, especially during events that emphasize sound as a critical element of the experience.

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