Day of the Valencian Community

A multicultural history

The origins of this holiday date back to the 13th century. In the year 711, Valencia was taken by the Muslim Moors. When King Jaime I(Jaume I) reconquered the city in 1238, he found a diverse society.

Important details about this period:

• Liberation of the city: on Oct. 9, 1238, the king officially made his entry after the surrender by the Moorish ruler Zayyan;

• Tolerance: at the handover, Zayyan called for harmony among the Muslims, Christians and Jews living in the city at the time;

• Birth of an identity: this conquest laid the foundation for the Kingdom of Valencia under the Crown of Aragon;

• Historical continuity: the modern form of the celebration was officially enshrined in the Statute of Autonomy in 1982.

The Senyera: symbol of independence

The centerpiece of the civic festivities is the Real Senyera, the official flag of Valencia. This flag is kept as a relic and symbolizes regional freedom.

During the celebrations in the city of Valencia, a unique ritual takes place:

• Honoring the flag: the Senyera is lowered from the main balcony of City Hall because tradition dictates that the flag should not bow to anyone;

• Civil procession: the flag is carried in a solemn procession through the center to the cathedral and the statue of King Jaime I for a floral tribute;

• Regional anthem: the ceremony concludes with the singing of the Valencian national anthem.

Celebrations on the Costa Blanca

Although the city of Valencia is the heart of the celebration, Oct. 9 is celebrated throughout the region. Each city and village puts its own spin on the festivities that reflect the local culture.

What to expect in the well-known coastal towns:

• Alicante: the city holds civil ceremonies in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, often combined with local markets;

• Elche, Villajoyosa and Benidorm: these cities host spectacular parades of Moors and Christians, with historic costumes and music;

• Dénia, Jávea and Altea: these places are known for their traditional dances and concerts of brass bands with regional instruments such as the tabal and dolçaina;

• Calpe, Moraira and Benissa: medieval markets and civic gatherings are often found here, strengthening the community spirit;

• Torrevieja, Santa Pola and Pilar de la Horadada: on the south side of the coast, fireworks shows and concerts light up the coastline on the eve of the party;

• Albir, Jalón and El Castell de Guadalest: In the interior and smaller villages, there are often small-scale floral tributes and cultural exhibitions.

Mocadorà: Valencian Valentine’s Day

Oct. 9 is also the day of Sant Donís, the patron saint of Valencian lovers. This makes for one of the most prized traditions in the region.

The ritual of the Mocadorà:

• The gift: Men give their loved ones a silk handkerchief(mocador) containing handmade marzipan candies;

• Fertility symbol: The marzipan is often shaped like fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the fertility of the Valencian soil;

• Immense production: In Valencia alone, confectioners make over 70,000 kilos of marzipan for about 200,000 mocadoràs.

Program and events 2026

In 2026, Oct. 9 falls on a Friday, giving many people an extra-long weekend.

Expected activities during celebration week:

• Medieval Markets: From Oct. 4 to 12, 2026, many cities will host markets with crafts, music and traditional snacks;

• Mascletà and fireworks: On Oct. 9, processions often end with a mascletà (loud banging fireworks). On the evening of Oct. 8, grand ornamental fireworks can be seen;

• Drone shows: Modern cities such as Valencia are increasingly hosting drone shows as part of the evening festivities.

Practical information

Important things for when you are on the Costa Blanca on Oct. 9:

• Store closure: Oct. 9 is an official day off; most stores and government buildings are closed;

• Double celebration: keep in mind that Oct. 12 is Spain’s national holiday, which means that many stores will be closed even then.

Question & answer (FAQ)