Local News | 9th October: Celebrating the Day of the Valencian Community in Jávea

Next Friday, 9th October, Jávea will join towns and cities across the region in celebrating the Day of the Valencian Community, or 9 d’Octubre. It is an official public holiday throughout the Comunitat Valenciana and one of the most important dates in the Valencian calendar.

For anyone who has recently moved to Jávea, owns a property here or is visiting the area, you may notice Valencian flags appearing around town as the celebrations approach. But what exactly does 9th October commemorate, and what is happening here in Jávea this year?

What is the Day of the Valencian Community?

The celebration dates back to 9th October 1238, when King Jaume I entered the city of Valencia following the Christian conquest of the city.

The date became closely associated with the formation of the historic Kingdom of Valencia and today is celebrated as a day of Valencian history, culture, language and tradition.

Although Valencia city hosts some of the largest commemorations, towns throughout Alicante, Castellón and Valencia organise their own celebrations. Here in Jávea, or Xàbia, there is plenty happening over the long weekend.

What is happening in Jávea?

The main celebrations take place on Friday 9th October, with the Old Town becoming one of the focal points of the day.

At 18:30 in the Plaça de l’Església, the official 9 d’Octubre ceremony will take place, including the presentation of the thirtieth Premis 9 d’Octubre Vila de Xàbia.

This year the awards will recognise Riurau Vius and the Amics de Thiviers association. Riurau Vius is being recognised for its work protecting and promoting the traditional riuraus that form such an important part of the area’s rural heritage, while Amics de Thiviers celebrates the long standing relationship between Xàbia and its French twin town, Thiviers.

The celebrations continue at 20:00, also in the Plaça de l’Església, with a concert by Valencian singer Pep Gimeno “Botifarra”. His music is strongly rooted in traditional Valencian folk culture, making it a particularly fitting way to celebrate 9 d’Octubre.

Traditional dancing on Saturday

The cultural celebrations continue into the weekend.

On Saturday 10th October at 20:00, the Plaça de l’Església will host a traditional dance performance involving the Grup de Danses Portitxol de Xàbia and Es Xacoters de Formentera.

The event forms part of a cultural exchange between the two groups and will showcase traditional music and dancing from Xàbia and Formentera.

It is a great opportunity for anyone who has never experienced traditional Valencian dancing to see one of the region’s customs right in the heart of Jávea’s Old Town.

Artisan market in Jávea Port

There is also plenty happening down in the Port throughout the long weekend.

From Friday 9th until Monday 12th October, artisans from across the Marina Alta will gather along Jávea’s seafront promenade for a special artisan fair.

Visitors will be able to browse handmade items and locally produced crafts while enjoying the atmosphere of the Port.

The fair will be open from 09:00 until 21:00 from Friday to Sunday, and from 11:00 until 15:00 on Monday 12th October. Entry is free.

If you are looking for something to do over the bank holiday weekend, it is an easy excuse for a stroll around the Port followed by lunch or a drink overlooking the sea.

A four day bank holiday weekend

This year, the Day of the Valencian Community falls on Friday 9th October, giving many people the start of an extended weekend.

This is followed by another public holiday on Monday 12th October, Spain’s National Day, known as Fiesta Nacional de España.

With public holidays on both Friday and Monday, many residents will be enjoying a four day weekend from Friday through to Monday.

Banks, public offices and many local businesses will therefore be closed or operating reduced opening hours.

Javea Home Finders will also be closed from Friday 9th October through to Monday 12th October, reopening as normal on Tuesday 13th October.

A great weekend to explore Jávea

With events taking place in both the Old Town and Port, the October bank holiday weekend is a particularly nice time to get out and enjoy Jávea.

You could spend Friday evening in the historic centre for the official ceremony and concert, return on Saturday for the traditional dancing, or head down to the Port at any point over the weekend to visit the artisan market.

October can also be one of the nicest months to enjoy Jávea itself. The busiest part of the summer has passed, temperatures are generally more comfortable and there is still plenty of life around the Old Town, Port and Arenal.

One of the things that makes living in Jávea so special is the combination of its large international community and its strong Valencian identity.

From traditional fiestas and local food to Valencian language, music, dancing and customs, the area’s heritage remains a very visible part of everyday life here.

The 9 d’Octubre celebrations are a perfect opportunity to experience some of those traditions and discover a little more about the culture and history of the place so many of us are fortunate enough to call home.

From all of us at Javea Home Finders, we hope everyone enjoys the celebrations and has a fantastic long weekend.

Feliç 9 d’Octubre!