Poco A Poco: October 9th

Few holidays combine history, fireworks, civic pride, sweets, and romance quite like October 9th in Valencia. Known both as Día de la Comunitat Valenciana—the city’s founding day—and Sant Dionís, Valencia’s very own Lovers’ Day, it’s a celebration that blends freedom and love in true Mediterranean style. In this episode of Ah Spain Podcast: Poco A Poco, we explore the story of King Jaume I and the conquest of Valencia, the city’s unique symbols like the bat and the Senyera flag, and the sweet tradition of the mocadorà—handkerchiefs filled with marzipan treats. You’ll also hear about fireworks, parades, and the local festivities that bring the city to life each October. Whether you’re a history buff, a hopeless romantic, or simply curious about Spanish traditions, this is Valencia at its most colorful and heartfelt.