The Day of the Valencian Community (Día de la Comunidad Valenciana) marks the anniversary of King James I of Aragon’s capture of the city of Valencia from Moorish forces in 1238. It is also the Day of Saint Dionysius, a traditional festival for lovers.
The International Festival of Pyrotechnics is held in the city of Valencia in early October. The finale of this festival marks the start of the Day of the Valencian Community celebrations. Parades are held in the city of Valencia and other towns and villages in the region on October 9. The parades feature people dressed in costumes, including medieval costumes. People in some areas hold a communal meal or party after the parade.
October 9 is also the Day of Saint Dionysius (Sant Dionís), a saint also known as “the Areopagite”. This saint is traditionally considered as the patron saint of lovers and there is the custom of giving the gift of a Mocaorà, a silken scarf containing marzipan pastries handcrafted by Valencia’s confectioners. Valencian men traditionally give their sweethearts gifts of marzipan sweets on this day. These sweets are wrapped in a piece of silk or placed in a decorative box.
