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

Every year on 9 October the Valencian Community marks its official day with civic ceremonies, music, fireworks and a few sweet traditions. The date recalls the entry of King James I into the city of Valencia in 1238 and the birth of the medieval Kingdom of Valencia, a moment that later became the foundation for today’s autonomous community. It has been the region’s public holiday since the modern Statute of Autonomy era. 

A brief history

The commemoration has deep roots. A civic celebration in Valencia city is documented from the 14th century, established to honour the old royal flag and the memory of the conquest. In the late 1970s it was revived as a modern regional day, and with the creation of the Valencian Community it was formalised as a public holiday across all three provinces. 

9 October is also Sant Donís, popularly called the Valencian lovers’ day. Couples give each other the mocadorà, a silk scarf filled with little marzipan sweets shaped like fruits and vegetables. You will see spectacular bakery displays across the region in the days before the holiday. 

What happens in Valencia city

Valencia hosts the most emblematic events.

• Processó Cívica and the Senyera. At midday the city’s crowned Senyera is lowered from the Town Hall balcony to lead a solemn civic procession. By tradition it is carried vertically and does not bow, as the local flag holds royal rank. The route includes a stop for a Te Deum in the Cathedral, a floral tribute at the statue of King James I, and a return to the Town Hall. The day often finishes with a mascletà. In recent years the afternoon has also featured an Entrada de Moros i Cristians through the centre.
• Around the date there are open days at institutions, concerts and, increasingly, light or drone shows the night before. 

What happens in Xàbia (Jávea)

Xàbia keeps the day focused on community and culture.

• Acto institucional and Premis 9 d’Octubre Vila de Xàbia. The Town Hall hosts the official ceremony, which includes the presentation of the annual civic awards to local people and associations.
• Cultural programme. Around the holiday you will usually find band concerts, choir performances and other free cultural activities organised by the municipality and local groups. 

These events are family friendly, centralised in and around the historic centre and Plaza de la Marina Alta, and typically free to attend.

What happens in other cities

• Alicante. The city programme tends to revolve around folklore and music. Expect a dansà popular with dolçaina i tabalet, readings from Tirant lo Blanc, a concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band and, often, a medieval market and fireworks from the night of 8 October.
• Castelló de la Plana. Activities usually include the Correllengua, band concerts in central squares, children’s fairs, and an evening fireworks display. Ceremonies often end with the regional and city hymns. 

Across the region you will also find open days at public buildings, exhibitions about the Senyera and special concerts by local bands and choirs. 

The sweet side: Sant Donís and the mocadorà

Bakeries fill their windows with marzipan fruit and vegetable shapes, sometimes with tiny pastry fireworks and little “piulets” and “tronaors” that nod to historic pyrotechnic sweets. Tradition says you present them wrapped in a silk scarf to someone special. It is a colourful custom you will see in Valencia city and in towns along the coast and inland. 

Tips if you are going along

• Arrive early for central Valencia. The Processó Cívica crowds build well before midday, and streets are closed along the route.
• In Xàbia, check the Town Hall listings for the time of the awards ceremony and any evening concert the following day.
• Look for mocadorà displays in local bakeries in the days leading up to 9 October. They sell out quickly.