Valencia is preparing for 9th October, the region’s annual day that reshapes streets and squares with ceremony and celebration.
- What is 9th October, Valencia Day
- Is 9th October a holiday in Spain?
- Traditions on 9th October: the Senyera and La Mocadorà
- 9th October Valencia Day 2025 programme and schedule
- Moros y Cristianos in València 2025: connection to 9th October
- 9th October Valencia Day activities for visitors
- Where to watch the 9th October Valencia Day fireworks and parades
- Living in Valencia
What is 9th October, Valencia Day
Valencia marks 9 d’Octubre, or Dia de la Comunitat Valenciana, as the regional day of the Valencian Community, commemorating the 1238 entry of King James I (Jaume I) into the city. The date symbolises the birth of the medieval Kingdom of Valencia within the Crown of Aragon. At the heart of the day is the historic flag, the Real Senyera, plus hymn singing and an offering to Jaume I.
Is 9th October a holiday in Spain?
It is a public holiday in the Valencian Community rather than a nationwide observance. Public offices, schools and many banks close, while opening hours for shops, museums and restaurants vary.
Traditions on 9th October: the Senyera and La Mocadorà
The Real Senyera flag is ceremonially lowered from the Town Hall balcony before the procession, with honours and an offering to Jaume I. You'll also come across the custom of Sant Donís, Valencia's equivalent to Valentine's Day. Local bakeries prepare La Mocadorà, marzipan sweets presented in a handkerchief, reflecting a long‑standing Valencian lovers’ day tradition.
9th October Valencia Day 2025 programme and schedule
Key highlights have been announced for 2025, including a drone display, fireworks, live music, the civic procession and a mascletà.
- From 1st to 7th October
- Open days at the Palau de la Generalitat.
- 4th to 12th October
- Medieval Market in the Turia Gardens from 11 am, between the Exhibition Bridge and the Flower Bridge.
- 6th to 8th October
- 360º projection of the institutional poster on the façade of the Palau de la Generalitat.
- 7th October
- Concert by the Valencia Municipal Band at the Palau de les Arts, 7pm.
- 8th October
- Display of the Senyera in the Crystal Room of City Hall.
- Cant a la Senyera, performed by the Valentina Polyphonic Choir.
- Folklore and popular dance festival in Town Hall Square at 7.30 pm.
- Screening of the 2nd International Mapped Stories Competition on the façade of the Torre Vella del Palau at 9 pm.
- Drone show “Oceans” with more than 200 drones at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, 11 pm.
- Fireworks at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Monteolivete bridge, midnight.
- 9th October (Valencian Community Day)
- Concerts of musical bands at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, midday.
- Procession and Offering to Jaume I from Town Hall to Town Hall Square for the transfer of the Senyera to the Salón de la Vila.
- Mascletà by Pirotecnia Tamarit
- Concert by the Valencia Orchestra in Palau de les Arts at 7 pm.
Moros y Cristianos in València 2025: connection to 9th October
In Valencia city, the Moors and Christians festivities frame the build‑up to 9th October, with key acts woven into the regional day’s programme. Rooted in historical re‑enactment and Mediterranean tradition, it features parades, staged embassies and gunpowder‑charged performances that.
Moors and Christians Festival calendar 2025
- 4th October
- 5 pm— Children’s Entrada de Moros y Cristianos: procession from Plaza del Tossal to Plaza dels Furs, with miniature squads and costumes.
- 8 pm — Embajada de la Conquista: a theatrical re‑enactment in Plaza dels Furs beside the Torres de Serranos.
- 5th October
- 11.30 am — Alardo (historic battle): from Plaza de la Virgen via Plaza de la Reina and Calle San Vicente to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, featuring staged skirmishes and historic guns.
- 9th October — XXI Entrada de Moros y Cristianos de València
- 4 pm — Bajada de Gloria: from Plaza del Ayuntamiento to the Glorieta, a symbolic prelude to the main parade.
- 5 pm— Main parade: from the Glorieta to Plaza del Ayuntamiento via Calle de la Paz, Poeta Querol, Barcas and Marqués de Sotelo, with Moorish and Christian squads, colourful costumes, live music and dance groups.
9th October Valencia Day activities for visitors
Alongside the headline events, venues often stage special hours, free entries and themed visits, notably around the story of Jaume I.
Neighbourhood programmes in El Carme and Ruzafa add food stalls, music and community activities in the late afternoon and evening. Families generally favour earlier slots and calmer viewing points for the big shows. Check out all the many things to do in Valencia in October this year.
Where to watch the 9th October Valencia Day fireworks and parades
Popular spots include Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the surrounding Ciutat Vella streets for the acts, while bridges and lawns along the Turia gardens, Valencia's green lung, provide ample vantage points for night‑time shows near the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
Living in Valencia
Living in Valencia means Mediterranean city life with compact neighbourhoods, a walkable historic centre and easy access to beaches such as La Malvarrosa and Patacona. The city offers a bilingual environment (Spanish and Valencian) and a busy cultural calendar shaped by major events, including Fallas and 9 d’Octubre.
Day-to-day costs are generally lower than Spain’s largest cities, with varied housing across Ruzafa (creative scene), El Carmen (heritage core), Benimaclet (student vibe) and El Cabanyal (seaside revival).
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