Every year Valencia celebrates Día de la Comunidad Valenciana at 9th October. Are you in Valencia by that time and do you want to know what this day is about? On this page you will find more information about this day. We keep you updated on the events for the upcoming year.
What do they celebrate?
Every year on October 9, the people of Valencia come together to celebrate Valencian Community Day (Día de la Comunidad), a vibrant day full of tradition, pride, and history.
Why October 9? Let’s take you back in time… In the year 711, Valencia fell under the rule of the Islamic Moors. Fast forward five centuries, and on October 9, 1238, the city was reconquered by a Christian army led by Jaime I the Conqueror. This legendary king established the Kingdom of Valencia, which lasted until 1707.
Interestingly, the borders of today’s Autonomous Region of Valencia still closely follow those of the old kingdom, a beautiful link between past and present.
On Valencian Community Day, locals proudly celebrate both the reconquest and the founding of the Valencian kingdom. The streets fill with colorful parades, traditional music, and plenty of regional pride. It’s the perfect moment to feel the heartbeat of Valencia’s unique culture!
How do they celebrate?
Every year on October 9, Valencia comes alive with events and celebrations that honor its proud history. One of the highlights of Valencian Community Day is the grand procession through the city, a truly unforgettable spectacle!
The mayor, city council, clergy, military, and more all take part in this ceremonial march. At the heart of it all is the senyera, the original Valencian flag once carried by King Jaime I himself. Normally kept in the Town Hall as a treasured relic, the senyera is brought out on this special day and carried through the streets with great respect.
The procession stops at Valencia’s Cathedral before moving on to the statue of King Jaime I. Here, flowers are laid in his honor, after all, it was he who freed the city from Moorish rule and laid the foundations for the Valencia we know today.
The march ends in Plaza del Ayuntamiento with an explosive finale: the mascletàs! These deafening fireworks are a uniquely Valencian tradition and it is not just a show for the eyes, but a powerful symphony of sound that you feel in your chest. A perfect way to wrap up a day full of heritage, pride, and local flavor!
Program 2025
Curious to see what Valencian Community Day (and the lively days leading up to it) look like in the city? Below you’ll find the 2025 program of events to help you plan your visit. As soon as the 2026 schedule is announced, we’ll update it right here, so keep an eye out!
Saturday 4 October – Sunday 12 October 2025
A medieval market will take place in the Turia Gardens, between Puente de las Flores and Puente de la Exposición. The market will be open from 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM. Here you will find handmade products, music, children’s attractions, and plenty of food and drinks.
Saturday 4 October 2025
All day: Opening of the medieval market in the Turia Gardens, between Puente de la Exposición and Puente de las Flores. Open until 12 October.
5:00 PM: Parade for children, featuring the Moors and Christians.
Route: Plaza del Tossal, Caballeros, Serranos and Plaça dels Furs.
Sunday 5 October 2025
11:30 AM: Plaza de la Virgen: large musical celebration with choirs, bands and folklore groups to mark the 100th anniversary of the official anthem of Valencia.
12:00 PM: Alardo de Arcabucería: a parade of the Moors and Christians, with historical weapons and costumes.
Route: from Plaza de la Reina to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
6:00 PM: Parque Central: traditional dance performance (“Dansà”) by the Russafa Fallas associations.
7:00 PM: Palau de les Arts: concert by the Municipal Orchestra of Valencia.
Wednesday 8 October 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Crystal Hall in City Hall: exhibition of the Senyera (the regional flag).
7:00 PM, 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM: Crystal Hall in City Hall: performance of Cant a la Senyera by the Valentina Polyphonic Choir (choral singing in honour of the flag).
7:30 PM: Plaza del Ayuntamiento: folklore festival with various dance and music groups.
9:00 PM: Traditional dancing at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
10:00 PM: Drone show at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
10:30 PM: Fireworks display at Puente de Monteolivete.
Thursday 9 October 2025
12:00 PM: Church of San Valero in Ruzafa: mass and tribute to Jaume I and Zayán.
12:00 PM: Procession through the city in honour of Jaume I, with stops at important squares and the cathedral. It ends with the transfer of the Senyera (flag) and a mascletà.
Route: City Hall, San Vicente, Plaza de la Reina (stop for the Te Deum at the cathedral), Barchilla, Reina, Paz and Alfonso el Magnánimo. Return via Pintor Sorolla and Barcas to Plaza del Ayuntamiento for the return of the Senyera to Casa de la Vila.
4:00 PM: Symbolic ritual marking the beginning of the Moors and Christians parade.
Route: from Plaza del Ayuntamiento to La Glorieta.
5:00 PM: Moors and Christians parade: historical procession through the city with costumes and weapons.
Route: from La Glorieta to Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza Marqués de Sotelo.
7:00 PM: Palau de les Arts: concert by the Orchestra of Valencia.
Fireworks
Valencia isn’t just a city of sunshine and paella, but it’s also the fireworks capital of Spain.
After the traditional parade through the city centre, all eyes (and ears!) turn to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where a mascletà takes over the square. If you’ve ever visited during Las Fallas, you might already know what to expect: not a colourful light show, but an explosive symphony of sound. The mascletà is all about rhythm, volume and vibration, it’s loud, it’s intense, and it shakes the ground beneath your feet. Locals often describe it as a ‘firework orchestra’ that you don’t just hear, but you feel it in your chest.
The celebration kicks off the night before, on October 8th at exactly 23:59, with a more traditional firework display. Expect brilliant colours lighting up the sky above the Avenida Tarongers car park, a favourite spot for night owls and firework lovers alike.
Mocaorà
October 9th isn’t just the Day of the Valencian Community (Día de la Comunidad), but it’s also San Dionisio, the patron saint of lovers. While the city echoes with fireworks and festivities, love is quietly celebrated through one of Valencia’s most charming traditions: the Mocaorà.
On this day, it’s tradition for men to gift their partners a silk handkerchief (mocador) tied around small, colourful marzipan figures. These sweet treats symbolise the fertility and abundance of the Valencian land, and each piece is handcrafted to honour local fruits and crops.
The custom is centuries old and deeply rooted in local culture. Every year, the woman keeps the handkerchiefs she receives, each one marking a year of shared love. The growing collection becomes a living timeline of the relationship.
The tradition is so heartfelt and symbolic that it’s often seen as Valencia’s version of Valentine’s Day, but with a local twist: more marzipan, more meaning, and much more Mediterranean flair.