Oliva Feature
• Happy Birthday Valencia - with love!
By Hola Oliva

October 9th, Día de la Comunidad Valenciana is a special day in the Valencian calendar. On this day the Valencian Community celebrates the day in 1238 when King James the First of Aragon reclaimed Valencia from the Moors.


History
On October 9th, 1238, King James the First of Aragon entered Valencia a week after it was surrendered by the Moors who had occupied the region for 500 years.
Generously rather than annexing the region into his crown, King James the First created an autonomous country, the Kingdom of Valencia. He instantly became the city’s most cherished historical figure.

La Senyera - Valencia’s flag
La Senyera is the the original Valencian flag carried by King James the First's forces and now kept as the most revered relic in the City Hall. 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 plays a central role on this day of national pride.
La Senyera is lowered from the Town Hall balcony, carried by officials in a colourful and entertaining procession, and accompanies an offering of flowers to the large statue of King James before being brought back to the Ayuntamiento where at the end of the day there is an impressive mascletà, an exciting, co-ordinated firecracker display.

The Day of the Valencian Community is one of the region’s most important holidays.


St.Dionis Day Mocaorà
October 9th also happens to be the day of St.Dionis, who Valencians revere as the saint of love.Valencians traditionally present the object of their affection with a Mocaorà, which is a handkerchief filled with delicious and beautiful marzipan sweets.