If you’re in Valencia in early October, you’ll notice something a bit odd in the bakeries: shop windows full of marzipan figurines shaped like fruit and vegetables, wrapped in a handkerchief. It’s not just a decorative whim: it’s the 9 October, one of the dates with the richest history in the entire Valencian calendar.
Why it is celebrated: the entry of James I
On 9 October 1238, King James I «The Conqueror» He made a triumphant entry into the city of Valencia, bringing an end to Muslim rule and marking the birth of the Kingdom of Valencia. Since 1338, the first centenary of the conquest, the city has held a commemorative procession, and since 1365 the Senyera has been lowered each year from the main balcony of the Town Hall and carried in a civic procession through the historic centre. Today, 9 October is the Official Day of the Valencian Community.
Saint Dionysius: the Valencian "Saint Valentine"
This date coincides with the feast day of Saint Dionysius, and in Valencia it has become, since the 18th century, Valentine's Day. Tradition has it that, when the Nueva Planta Decrees banned the fireworks that were set off on that day, Valencian confectioners protested by creating marzipan sweets in the shape of firecrackers, rockets, fruit and vegetables. The custom stuck, and today couples give each other the «mocadorà«: a selection of these sweets wrapped in a cloth handkerchief. It is estimated that every year in Valencia more than 200,000 handkerchiefs with over 70,000 kilos of marzipan.
How to make the most of it if you’re in Valencia during those days
- On the evening of 8 October, don’t miss the International Fireworks Festival on the old Turia riverbed, between the Aragón Bridge and the Exposición Footbridge.
- On the 9th, the civic procession of the Senyera from the Town Hall through the historic centre.
- Pop into one of the traditional bakeries in the city centre (such as Galán Bakery or Forn Llatzer) to buy or give your own mocadorà as a present.
- Make the most of this local bank holiday by combining it with a more leisurely visit to the historic centre, which is less crowded with tourists than at other times of the year. We recommend our ART TOUR with Tickets to the three most iconic monuments: the Cathedral, San Nicolás and the Silk Exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 9 October a public holiday throughout the Valencian Community?
Yes, it’s the regional public holiday for the whole of the Valencian Community, not just the city.
What exactly is mocadorà?
A cloth handkerchief filled with marzipan sweets shaped like fruit, vegetables and other motifs, which are traditionally given as gifts between couples on that day.
Is it a celebration just for couples?
Not only that: it is also the official celebration of the Valencian Community, featuring official events, the Senyera procession and fireworks the night before. The Sant Dionís celebrations are another, deeply-rooted aspect of the festivities, but not the only one.
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