The Community of Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana in Spanish), also known as the Valencian Country (País Valencià), is the fourth most populous Spanish autonomous community, with a population of slightly over 5 million.
Bathed in Mediterranean sun, giving warmth and that special kind of light that Sorolla immortalized on canvas the Valencian Community is a beatiful place to live or visit.
On the 9th of October every year, the people of Valencia celebrate the national day of their autonomous region. This is a historical commemoration of the date in 1238 when King James I officially entered the city of Valencia, freeing it from Moorish rule.
Since 1365 every 9th October, Valencia's Senyera flag has presided over the festivities. The Senyera flag is lowered from the main balcony of the Town Hall, rather than being taken out by the door, and carried in a civic procession to the Parterre, where a floral tribute is laid before the statue of King James. Following the event, and after the Valencian anthem has been sung, it is taken to the History Museum.
People in Valencia love their fireworks. This becomes clear at Día de la Comunidad Valencia. After the procession the firework begins at Plaza Ayuntamiento with a mascleta. This is very loud fireworks with a lot of blasts and booms After the fireworks there are many shows full of music and colour. The night before Día de la Comunidad Valenciana, at 8 October, there is also firework. You can see the ornamental fireworks from each square.
The 9th of October is also the day of St. Dyonisius, the equivalent of Valentine's Day in Valencia. On this day the custom is for men to give the women what is known as a “Mocadorà”, also called a “Mocaorà”: a bundle of marzipan sweets wrapped up in a handkerchief.
Every year the cakemakers of Valencia produce thousands upon thousands of these little marzipan figures. An interesting fact is that more than 70,000 kilos of marzipan are used to produce some 200,000 "mocadoràs" to be given as gifts to wives, girlfriends and mothers.
Events Programme
Day of the Valencian Community - La Mocaorà - Moros i Cristians
ARAGON
The most important festival of the year in Zaragoza is the Las Fiestas del Pilar, which is held in October. It is a celebration to honor the “Virgin of the Pilar,” and the festivals include customs of the region with fireworks, music, food and parades. It always takes place around the 12th of October, beginning with the offering of flowers, that form an enormous mantle for the Virgin, and continues for nine days. Its origin is rooted in the belief that the Virgin Mary visited the region.
The feast day of Our Lady of El Pilar is on October 12th. Every year on that day and the following day there is a big festival in Zaragoza, because the Lady of El Pilar is the patron saint of the city. On previous days several roaming bands perform on major streets and plazas of the city.
Columbus Day - Fiestas del Pilar
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