As October begins, the residents of the Valencian Community begin to color their streets with the colors of their flag, the smell of marzipan can be smelled from the other side of the country, and the music of dolçainas and tabals floods the ears of all Valencians.
October 9th commemorates the origin and meaning of being Valencian. It is not only a memory of the past but a sign of passion and identity of the community. The day is lived intensely, and you can find surprises in every corner of its streets, from parades to medieval markets.
If history isn’t your thing, then let’s try love. October 9th is also Sant Donis Day, the Valencian Valentine’s Day, so if all the other activities don’t convince you, at least you can enjoy a day where love is in the air.
Obviously, this year was not going to be less than the previous ones, the party is expected and, as always, will be wrapped in pride and joy. Are you ready to know everything that awaits you this October in the Valencian Community?
What is the History and Meaning of this October 9th Festival?
October 9th commemorates the date of the entry of King Jaume I into Valencia in the year 1238, which meant the end of Muslim rule and the birth of the Kingdom of Valencia. Since 1338, the city has remembered this historical event with processions and various events, so you can imagine that this date is the greatest symbol of Valencian identity.
October 9th is also the day of Sant Donís, considered the Valencian Valentine’s Day, where the tradition is to give a “mocadora”, a marzipan sweet wrapped in a handkerchief, to your favorite person. Do you have yours yet? If not… you might meet them at the party!
Nou d’Octubre 2025 Program in Valencia
Friday, October 3
- Drone show over the Marina de València (9:30 PM).
Saturday, October 4
- Som de la Terreta Festival (City of Arts and Sciences):
- Family activities in the morning.
- Concerts from 4:00 PM with artists such as Maldita Nerea and Iñigo Quintero.
- Solidarity entrance fee: €2.
- Concert at the Palau de la Música (7:00 PM): Beethoven and Rodrigo.
- Mapped projections on the Torre Vella (10:30 PM).
Sunday, October 5
- Concerts by music bands (12:00 PM, Plaza de la Virgen).
- Moors and Christians parade with arquebusiers (12:00 PM, historical center).
Tuesday, October 7
- Exhibition “La nostra Senyera” (10:00 AM–9:00 PM, City Hall).
Wednesday, October 8 – Eve of October 9th
- Traditional concerts and dances (7:00 PM onwards):
- Cant a la Senyera, popular dances, and Valencian music concert at the Palau.
- Videomapping (9:30–11:30 PM, every 15 min).
- Fireworks display (11:59 PM, Montolivet bridge).
Thursday, October 9th: the Big Event is Coming
- Descent of the Senyera (12:00 PM) from the City Hall, followed by the Civic Procession and floral offering to Jaume I in the Parterre.
- Mascletà in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at the end of the procession.
- Moors and Christians Parade (5:00 PM): historical parade with music, costumes, and gunpowder through the city center.
- Official reception of the President at the Palau de la Generalitat throughout the day, with awards given to Valencian personalities.
Don’t Miss all its Cultural Events and Activities
Apart from the institutional events, on October 9th the city is full of cultural and leisure proposals for everyone from the youngest to the oldest to enjoy. Among the favorite activities of the locals are the medieval markets in the historical center and the Turia Gardens.
Music is also one of the great protagonists of this cultural offer, with concerts by the Municipal Symphonic Band and regional groups, in addition to offering exhibitions of traditional dances.
In addition, in museums and cultural centers you can visit exhibitions and do workshops that will bring you closer to the history and identity of the Valencian Community. Also throughout the week there are children’s activities, fireworks shows and many other proposals.
On this day you can’t miss the tradition of the “mocadorà” of Sant Donis, in which pastry shops and markets are filled with marzipan sweets wrapped in handkerchiefs.
Write down these Recommendations to Participate in the Festival
If you want to enjoy this day of tradition and celebration, you will have to go early to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to enjoy the descent of the Senyera and the mascletà, as the streets fill up with people very quickly.
Participate in all the cultural activities and be amazed by the Entrada de Moros y Cristianos, one of the most spectacular parades of the year, and remember to experience the tradition of Sant Donís by trying the mocadorà.
In the event that you are traveling with children, you can look for workshops and children’s activities that are organized in many neighborhoods, but in the event that you are not, you can look for other activities in the neighborhoods for adults.
Some Final Tips for Visitors that Will Come in Handy
If you are new to this festivity, remember to book your accommodation in advance, as it is a holiday and the city receives thousands of visitors. It is also important to use public transport through the center due to the streets being closed because of parades and other events.
We advise you to wear comfortable shoes to be able to walk the streets without problems and be able to participate in all the cultural offerings that this day offers. In addition, so you don’t miss anything, you can consult the official agenda or follow the information on social networks.
And finally, to make your experience more authentic, we recommend staying in a central apartment to feel like one more of the party.
Celebrate October 9th in Valencia with the Best Accommodation
October 9th is much more than a party, it is a day of historical, cultural and emotional explosion that conquers each of its attendees. Valencia opens itself to the rest of the communities and invites you to be part of every moment of its celebration.
But remember that in order not to miss anything, one of the main requirements is to have accommodation that lives up to this experience. So if you want to fully experience the Valencian spirit, contact us and book one of the apartments spread throughout the Valencian lands. Don’t let them tell you about it, experience it!
