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 2024
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 2024 program of events to help you plan your visit. As soon as the 2025 schedule is announced, we’ll update it right here, so keep an eye out!
October 5 till October 12
Step back in time at the enchanting medieval market in the Turia Park, nestled between the Puente de las Flores and the Puente de la Exposición. Open daily from 10:30 to midnight, the market brims with artisan crafts, live music, kids’ attractions, and of course plenty of delicious bites and drinks to keep you going.
October 5
11:00: Festival Som de la Terreta at the City of Arts and Sciences, featuring various Spanish artists.
19:00: Concert by the Orquesta de València in the Sala Iturbi at the Palau de la Música.
October 6
12:00: Concert at Plaza de la Virgen.
12:00: Parade weaving through Plaza del Mercado, Avenida de María Cristina, and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
October 8
10:00 till 21.00: The Senyera, the historic Valencian flag, is on display at City Hall.
19.30: Traditional Valencian dances and folk songs on Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
19:30: Concert by the Banda Municipal de València in Sala Iturbi at the Palau de la Música.
23:59: Spectacular fireworks over the Montolivet Bridge, opposite the City of Arts and Sciences.
October 9 – Valencian Community Day
11:30: Official reception of guests and dignitaries.
11:45: Ceremony and handing over of the Senyera to the municipal archive (note: the flag remains on display at City Hall from 10:00 till 21:00).
12:00: Civic procession with a floral tribute to King Jaime I in the Parterre.
Between 13:00 and 14:00: The famous Mascletà, a thunderous display of rhythmic firecrackers, shakes Plaza del Ayuntamiento (start time depends on when the procession ends).
17:00: The grand Moors & Christians Parade takes over Calle de la Paz, Poeta Querol, Barcas, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and Marqués de Sotelo, a colourful reenactment of history you won’t want to miss!
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.