The municipal fallas in Valencia for this year feature a towering 27-meter tall effigy of Charlie Chaplin as a soldier, which is to be burned on March 19 as the culmination of the Fallas festival. This statue draws inspiration from Chaplin's character in the 1918 film '¡Armas al hombro!', a satirical take on the absurdity of war, released during a time when Europe was still recovering from devastating conflicts.

The monument's prominent placement in the bustling square highlights its function as a statement against the realities of modern warfare, as expressed by Alejandro Santaeulalia, one of the artists behind the statue, stressing that "no one wins a war and it is not the way to solve anything." The installation reflects the current geopolitical climate, with references to modern weaponry and conflicts as a backdrop to the festival's traditional celebrations.

The choice of such a poignant symbol not only contributes to the artistic aspect of the Fallas but also positions the festival as a platform for political commentary. As attendees gather around the effigy, the monument serves as both a celebration and a critique, prompting public discourse on the implications of war and peace during the festivities.