Together, these holidays provide a mix of regional pride and national significance. Jose Miguel Sanchez/Shutterstock
Spain is gearing up for a festive start to October with two significant holidays that promise long weekends for residents in various regions. The first is the Día de la Comunidad Valenciana, celebrated on Thursday, October 9, and the second is the Fiesta Nacional de España, also known as Día de la Hispanidad, observed nationwide on Sunday, October 12. Together, they create opportunities for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a string of cultural events, family gatherings, and short trips across the country.
The Día de la Comunidad Valenciana is a regional public holiday in the Valencian Community, commemorating the historic entry of King James I of Aragon into the city of Valencia in 1238. This event marked the beginning of the Christian reconquest of the region from Moorish rule and has remained an important point of regional pride ever since. In cities such as Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón, the celebrations are vibrant and colourful, often featuring parades, street parties, live music, fireworks, and traditional dances such as the dansa valenciana or Ball de Plaça. Residents take the opportunity to showcase local culture, crafts, and gastronomy, while families often gather to enjoy meals together and share in the festive spirit. For those living in the Valencian Community, the holiday can be extended into a puente, or long weekend, if they take Friday, 10 October, off work. This allows four consecutive days to enjoy festivities, explore nearby towns, or take short trips along the region’s beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
Just a few days later, the country will celebrate the Fiesta Nacional de España on Sunday, October 12, also known as Spain’s National Day. This holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus’s historic arrival in the Americas in 1492, a moment of profound historical significance that is observed across all autonomous communities. The day is marked by official ceremonies, patriotic displays, and military parades, with the most prominent event held in Madrid. The royal family and government officials traditionally attend the military parade, which is watched by crowds lining the streets as well as millions of viewers on television. While the holiday falls on a Sunday in, some regions may move the observance to the following Monday, October 13, creating an extended weekend for wider participation in celebrations.
Together, these holidays provide a mix of regional pride and national significance. Residents of the Valencian Community can enjoy the lively local celebrations of the Día de la Comunidad Valenciana before joining in the broader, nationwide festivities for the Fiesta Nacional de España. For tourists, this period offers a chance to witness authentic Spanish traditions, from folk dances and local cuisine to public parades and fireworks displays.
It is advised to plan ahead during this period, as many businesses and public offices will close, numerous shops and supermarkets may operate on reduced hours or remain closed entirely as well as public transport that may have ”Festivo” timetables.
With both regional and national importance, the first half of October is set to be a lively, culturally rich period across Spain. Whether taking part in Valencian regional celebrations or joining nationwide patriotic events, residents and visitors alike have plenty of reason to enjoy the festive season and immerse themselves in Spain’s history and traditions.