Valencia is highlighting 9 d’Octubre 2026 brings the city’s historic symbols into the spotlight: in the Salón de Cristal of the town hall, the Ajuntament de València the Reial Senyera together with the Jaume I and the sword attributed to Jaume I. The display is part of the official programme for Día de la Comunitat Valenciana and marks a highlight of the commemorative year for the 750th anniversary of the medieval ruler’s death (27 July 1276).
The city council has reserved the Plaza del Ayuntamiento for events from 1 to 9 October. Alongside the display of the flag and sword, receptions, ceremonies and related activities are planned at museums and archives. The Generalitat Valenciana is complementing the programme with cultural and educational events. These include a scholarly congress and several exhibitions exploring the monarch’s achievements and his importance to the creation of the historic Kingdom of Valencia.
Jaume I, known in the sources as the Conqueror of Valencia, is a touchstone in regional memory for law, urban development and symbolism. The Reial Senyera, the city flag, and the sword attributed to him are seen as tangible carriers of this tradition. Their joint display at the town hall is intended to make the historical narrative accessible and, at the same time, bring material evidence from the period before a wide audience.
Institutions such as the Centre del Carme and the Universitat de València are taking part with talks, workshops and publications. In the organisers’ view, the programme brings together tourism, culture and education policy: it is intended to attract visitors, convey regional history and strengthen the city’s cultural institutions. Historians also point out that presentations of flags, kings and myths touch on differing interpretations of the past and can therefore be the subject of public controversy. These assessments are attributed to the debate, while the programme details are based on official announcements.
9 d’Octubre is the main public holiday of the autonomous community. This year, it is framed by the commemoration of the 750th anniversary of Jaume I’s death. According to the Ajuntament de València and the Generalitat Valenciana, the main events remain concentrated in the city centre, particularly at the Salón de Cristal and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The schedule is subject to change, but the main elements of the programme have been confirmed.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).