When is Valencia Community Day?
Celebrated annually on October 9th, this is a public holiday in the Valenciana region of Spain. Valencia is the principal city in the region.
If October 9th falls on a weekend, this holiday may be substituted by another. For instance, in 2016, as October 9th is a Sunday, Valenciana will observe Easter Monday as a public holiday instead.
History of Valencia Community Day
Known as 'Día de la Comunidad Valenciana', this holiday commemorates the capture of the city of Balansiya (Valencia) from Moorish forces in 1238 by King James I of Aragon
Founded as Valencia by the Romans, the city has passed from Christian to Moorish control from the 8th century to the 13th century.
In 1238, King James I of Aragon laid siege to Valencia and after five months, the Moors finally surrendered on September 28th. On October 9th, James took possession of the city.
Whilst many people from different religions were allowed to stay, Fifty thousand Moors were forced to leave. After the Christian victory, the city was divided between the forces who had participated in the conquest.
James granted the city new charters of law (known as the Furs of Valencia). The changes brought by James redefined the city and the region in many ways, forming the basis of the character and key traditions of the Valencian regions.
Due to its popularity, the date was considered as the Valencian National Day by the Board of Sindical and Political Forces of the Land of Valencia in 1976, and by the Plenary of Members of Parliament of Valencia in 1977. Finally, with the creation of the Valencian Community in 1982, it was made a public holiday as the Valencian Community Day.
Be my Valentine or Valencian?
October 9th is also Saint Dionysuis' Day. Dionysius is regarded as the patron saint of lovers for Valencians and this day is considered to be the most romantic day of the year. As a sign of love and appreciation, women may recieve a Mocadora, a handcrafted marzipan figurine wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Mocadora is the Valencian word for handkerchief.
On Valencian Community Day, many businesses and other organisations are closed. Most stores are closed, although some bakers and smaller food stores may open. Public transport services may run on a Sunday or reduced schedule. The parades and other public events that form part of the celebrations may cause local disruption to traffic, especially in the centres of towns and villages.
The day features many activities, the most famous of which is the civic procession in Valencia. It has been held since 1338, when it was instituted by Peter IV of Aragon to celebrate the centenary of the Kingdom of Valencia and to demand protection to Saint Dionysius in the middle of a famine caused by poor rains.
