Do you know why October 9 is the day of the Valencian Community? Do you know the tradition of Mocadorà?
October 9 is the Day of the Valencian Community and is commemorated to mark the entry of Jaume I of Aragon (Jaime I of Aragon) to the city of Valencia, ending Muslim domination in the region and establishing the Kingdom of Valencia in 1238
This event marked the Christianization of the region and the establishment of the Kingdom of Valencia as part of the Crown of Aragon. The date is considered a historical milestone and a symbol of the identity and autonomy of the Valencian Community.
The commemoration of October 9 as the Day of the Valencian Community began in the 15th century with local celebrations and was officially recognized in the 17th century. In the 20th century, especially after the restoration of the Generalitat Valenciana in 1982, the celebration became a significant regional holiday with cultural, civic and festive events that honor the history and identity of the Valencian Community.
La Mocadorà
This same day is also celebrated the day of Sant Donís, patron saint of Valencian lovers, and it is the day that “La mocaorà” is given as a gift, do you know what it consists of?
The mocaorà has its origins in the 18th century.
The tradition of the “mocaorà” consists of the man giving the woman sweets made with marzipan that represent the different fruits and vegetables from the Valencian garden, wrapped in a handkerchief (“mocador” in Valencian) which gives its name to this custom. . Its origin is closely linked to the celebration of October 9. When the Nueva Planta Decrees prohibited the commemoration of the entry of Jaume I to Valencia on this date, Valencian confectioners devised an ingenious response. They created sweets in the shape of forbidden firecrackers, known as “piulets i tronadors.” In addition, they modeled fruits and vegetables from marzipan, referring both to the fertility of the Valencian garden and to the gifts of vegetables that the Moors gave to Jaume I’s wife, Queen Doña Violante of Hungary.
These marzipans were wrapped in scarves and given to the beloved woman, a custom that has lasted to this day.
Currently, Valencian pastry chefs prepare meticulously for this day, producing thousands of marzipan figurines.
Programming of activities in Gandía on the occasion of the 9th of October festival
These are the activities that will take place in Gandía on the occasion of October 9
You can check them all here.
From October 6 to 9
Mocadorà de Sant Donís Market
The Association of Pastissers and Forners of Gandia and the Gandia Trade Federation organize this market that aims to recover Sant Donís as the festival of lovers in Valencia. Pastry shops from Gandia and Grau will display the typical products of this celebration in the stalls that will be set up in front of the House of Culture. See schedules and activities.
Saturday October 8
-8:00 p.m.: Parade by the Colla de Dolçainers i Tabaleters del Grau.
-8:15 p.m.: Tribute ceremony to King Jaume I at the monolith on La Nau street in Grau de Gandia.
Sunday October 9
-At 10:30 a.m.: at the Palau Ducal, Civic Commemorative Event of October 9. With the participation of the Beniopa Musical Center Band, Gandia Children’s Council, Escola Teatre Serrano and Grup de Danses Rebombori.
-At 10:30 a.m.: VI Raspall Women’s Trofei Ciutat de Gandia. Plaça de les Escoles Pies.
-At 11:30 a.m.: Concert on October 9 by the UAM Sant Francesc de Borja. Gardens of the House of Culture.
-At 1:30 p.m.: I found de Bandes October 9. Parade of the UAM Sant Francesc de Borja and Band of the Beniopa Musical Center through the city center to the Plaça Major where they will perform the anthem of the Valencian Community and the anthem of Gandia.
We are waiting for you
