Comunitat Valenciana celebrates regional day amid housing protests

The Valencian Community celebrated the Day of the Valencian Community (9 d'Octubre), marking the 750th anniversary of the death of Jaume I. The festivities included institutional speeches, civic processions, and cultural events across various municipalities like Burriana and Almoradí. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sent a message of support, describing the region as a people that “rebuilds itself and knows where it wants to go.”

In Valencia city, the celebrations faced complications due to a housing rights encampment in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The presence of the protest led the Government Delegation to advise against holding the traditional mascletà (pyrotechnic show) in the square due to security concerns. While the mascletà was suspended, other major acts, including the civic procession with the Reial Senyera, proceeded. Local authorities and protesters engaged in negotiations to allow institutional protocols to continue while respecting the right to assembly.

Political reactions varied, with Vox supporting the institutional tone of the regional president's speech, characterizing it as a message of unity. Meanwhile, cultural institutions like the National Library of Spain highlighted the day through photographic collections of regional traditions and attire.