Events

Valencia Day: 9 d’Octubre

Valencia Day (9 d’Octubre) is the Valencian Community’s great civic celebration. It commemorates the entry of King James I into the city in 1238 and the birth of the medieval Kingdom of Valencia. The holiday is regional (closures apply within the community) yet its atmosphere spills across streets and squares, from the Town Hall to the Turia Gardens. With ceremonies, music and fireworks, the date sets a festive tone for Spain’s first half of October.

Contents hide
1 Traditions and Ceremonies
2 Moros y Cristianos and Sant Donís
3 Visitor Notes
4 Why It Matters

Traditions and Ceremonies

The day’s most symbolic ritual is the procession of the Real Senyera, Valencia’s historic flag. In a unique civic act, the flag is ceremonially lowered from the Town Hall balcony and paraded through the old town without bowing, accompanied by bands and honour guards. The programme adds fireworks and a mascletà, concerts, a drone light show and a medieval market in the Turia Gardens, turning the former riverbed into a long open-air stage for families and visitors.

Moros y Cristianos and Sant Donís

Moors and Christians parades bring costumed troops, choreographed “embassies” and the crackle of ceremonial gunpowder to neighbourhoods across the region, linking the date to local histories. On the same day, Valencians celebrate Sant Donís (often called the local Valentine’s Day) by exchanging La Mocadorà, marzipan sweets wrapped in a handkerchief. Bakeries fill their windows with colourful, fruit-shaped marzipan that turns the city into a strolling confectionery tour.

Visitor Notes

  • Core areas: Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza de la Virgen concentrate the main ceremonies; arrive early for the flag procession.
  • Closures: Public offices and many shops close regionally; museums may run special hours; check locally.
  • Pairing events: With Spain’s National Day following on October 12, itineraries can combine Valencia’s civic pride with Zaragoza’s religious celebrations or Madrid’s parade.

Why It Matters

Valencia Day distils the region’s identity, language, history and civic ritual, within Spain’s wider October calendar. It offers travellers a grounded, local perspective that contrasts with the nationwide observance that follows three days later.

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