Oct 9, 2025
Today, 9 October, as has been the case for more than 35 years, all the cities and towns in the Valencian Community celebrate Community Day. It is a public holiday in all schools and public administrations, and various official events are held.
A little history about this date:
9 October commemorates the entry of King James I (Jaume I, James I of Aragon) in the city of Valencia in the year 1238, after which the city came under Christian rule, ending the period of Muslim rule.
This date marks the beginning of the formation of the Kingdom of Valenciaas part of the Crown of Aragonand the establishment of Christian institutions in these lands.
Although the process of institutional configuration of the territory lasted between 1304 and 1305 (with the incorporation of Tórtoles and Elche) and later with Requena and Utiel in 1851, the 9th of Octoberbecame established as a symbolic date representing Valencian identity.
The first documented civic-religious procession commemorating this event dates back to 1338, one hundred years after the conquest. On that day, the City Council organised a march and a mass in honour of Saint Dionysius, praying for an end to the famine that was ravaging the region. Since then, 9 October has been considered a day of remembrance and tribute to this historic moment.
As a regional festival celebrated throughout the Valencian Community, it was officially recognised much later:
In 1976, Valencian political and trade union movements proclaimed it as the "National Day of the Valencian Country" (País Valenciano).
In 1977, the Plenary Session of Parliamentarians officially confirmed this date.
Finally, with the approval of the Statute of Autonomy of the Valencian Community in 1982, 9 October was officially established as the Day of the Valencian Community.
Modernity
To mark this holiday, in Torrevieja, today at 11:00 a.m., the hymns will be performed by the Unión Musical Torrevejense and the raising of the Senyera by the mayor and the Reina de la Sal in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Subsequently, at 11:30 a.m., at the Municipal Theatre, there will be an awards ceremony for volunteers from the local Civil Protection group of Torrevieja.
Unfortunately, in many municipalities some events have been cancelled due to the heavy rain warning, but this will not dampen the festive atmosphere.
Check out all upcoming events in Torrevieja in our section Events.