Dia De La Comunidad Valenciana [9 Oct]
The Day of Valencian Community

What it is about

This fiesta is about regional pride. In 1238 Valencia was finally reconquered by the Christian army of King Jaime I, after over 5 centuries of Islamic rule. King Jaime did not just annex the Valencia kingdom to his crown, but in a very generous gesture he established the Valencian Kingdom as an autonomous region, with its own governing bodies and courts. This was the birth of the Valencian Community as we know it, and a source of great pride for the Valencians today. You can read more about this in the History of Valencia page.

It was on 9th of October 1238 that King Jaime's army entered the gates of Valencia, a week after it was surrendered by its Moorish defenders.

9pm - Moorish and Christian Embassies

This is really worth seeing. It is a staged reconstruction of the surrender of Valencia to the Christians. As the darkness falls the Moors take their positions on the Torres de Serranos and await the Christian King. The Christians come in full splendour with gunfire to negotiate the surrender. The dialogue often turns into a way too lengthy monologue but overall the colours, the costumes and the atmosphere created by the ancient city gates makes for an amazing spectacle that truly transports you to the Middle Ages

Length: 2 hours. Location: Torres de Serranos ()

12pm - Official Procession

As far as official processions in Valencia go, this will be the biggest, most pompous and the proudest one of the year, since this day is the pinnacle of Valencian nationalism. All of the King's men - the mayor, the cabinet, the clergy, the military, etc, will join the triumphant crowd to carry the Senyera - the original Valencian flag carried by the King Jaime's forces and now kept as the most revered relic in the City Hall. The Senyera will first be taken to the Cathedral for a quick mass, then to Plaza Alfonso Magnanimo where flowers will be layed at the statue of King Jaime. The procesion will then return to the Plaza Ayuntamento where the macleta (fireworks) will end the event.

7pm - Traditional Dancing
An hour of traditional music and dances in traditional costumes at Plaza de la Virgen

Length: 1 hour, Location: Plaza de la Virgen

6pm - Parade of Moros y Cristianos

The most spectacular and explosive part of the day - various groups of Valencians dress up in costumes of either Moors or Christians and parade through Valencia centre, in a spectacular show with dance and music. Band after band of knights, saracens, ladies, belly dancers, pirates, torreros, only the Michelin Man is missing.