National Day of the Region of Valencia
Sant Dionis Day for Lovers!Festivals in ValenciaThe national day of the region of Valencia falls on the 9 October and it just happened to be the day when we first visited Valencia.When we arrived we were surprised to find all the shops closed! It was getting late so we decided to have an early night. The following morning we saw patisserias all over Valencia full of festive cakes and lovely marzipan shapes... we later discovered why. The 9th of October is Sant Dionís Day and also the National Day of the Region of Valencia.
Sant Dionís Day is Lover's Day in Valencia!If you're like me and adore marzipan you'll be happy to know that on this very special day the patisserias of Valencia are ablaze with the most delicious array of colored marzipan nibbles known locally as 'mocadorades'. It's customary for lovers to fill handkerchiefs with 'mocadorades' and give them to those they love.
History of the National Day of ValenciaKing Jaime 1 conquered the Moors and officially entered the city of Valencia. King Jaime 1 fulfilled the task his father Peter 11 of Aragon had begun further north in Aragon. Jaime 1 retook the lands to the south of Aragon which the Moors had occupied since the 13 century. The Moors surrendered and King Jaime 1 officially entered the city of Valencia on 9 October 1238. The red and yellow striped Senyera is the insignia of Aragon. It has a blue band running down the side bearing the royal crown and every 9 October the flag is lowered from the Town Hall balcony and paraded through the streets of Valencia.
National Day of the Region of Valencia
~ Timetable of Events ~ 11.30am Fireworks followed by a reading of the Maryoral Decree and handing over of the Senyera flag at the Municipal Records Office. 12.00 Lowering of the Royal Senyera and start of the civic procession following a route to the Puerta de los Hierros. The procession then enters the Cathedral. Following the TE DEUM the procession leaves Puerta de la Plaza de la Almoina. There is then a laying of wreaths at the statue of King Jaime 1 and the procession then continues along Calle Pintor Sorolla and Calle Barcas to Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square). This is followed with the ceremonial honors and handover of the flag in the Municipal Records Office. This is followed with MASCLETA (fireworks) 17.00 Dancing in Plaza de la Virgin followed by the Festival of 'Dances, Music and Songs of Valencia'. 18.00 Moors and Christians enter the City of Valencia and take a route via Glorieta Pa, San Vicente, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Marques de Sotelo and on to Calle Jatìva where the procession ends with mascleta (fireworks).
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