Things to do in Valencia in October: 9 d'Octubre, the mocadorà and a mild autumn

October is probably the most Valencian month of the year. On 9 October, Valencian Community Day, the city takes to the streets for the Real Senyera procession and people give each other the marzipan sweets of the mocadorà. And the weather helps: a mild autumn still lived on terraces.

This guide covers what to do in Valencia in October, its traditions and, at the end, Palau Alameda's agenda for the month, which updates automatically.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• Weather: highs of 23-25 °C and mild nights.
• Key date: 9 d'Octubre, Valencian Community Day.
• Tradition: the mocadorà of Sant Donís, Valencia's lovers' day.
• Sport: the Half Marathon, at the end of the month.
• To round off: Halloween, on 31 October.

The weather in October

October is mild and pleasant: highs of 23-25 °C and gentle nights. It is also one of the months when episodes of heavy rain can arrive, so it is worth checking the forecast.

9 d'Octubre

On 9 October Valencia celebrates Valencian Community Day, which commemorates James I's entry into Valencia in 1238. The main event is the civic procession: the Real Senyera, the historic flag, is lowered from the City Hall balcony and paraded through the centre with music, dignitaries and crowds.

The mocadorà of Sant Donís

The same 9 October is Sant Donís, Valencia's lovers' day. The tradition is to give your partner the mocadorà: a handkerchief tied around marzipan figures shaped like fruit and vegetables, including the piuleta and the tronador. Pastry shops make them all month.

The Half Marathon

At the end of October Valencia hosts its Half Marathon, one of the fastest half marathons in the world. Even if you are not running, it is worth watching from the street: the whole city cheers.

Autumn outdoors

October is a good month to walk through the Turia Gardens, explore the old town or have a rice dish on a terrace without the heat. Here are more plans for Valencia in autumn and what to do at the start of the season in September.

Concerts, afternoon sessions and Halloween

With the season under way, October fills the agenda with concerts, afternoon sessions and nights, and ends with Halloween on the 31st. At Palau Alameda, the month's programme is in the agenda at the end of this article; you can also see the concert agenda, afternoon sessions in Valencia and things to do in Valencia at night. On Paseo de la Alameda, Àtic, Palau Alameda's terrace, opens for lunch, dinner and afterwork.

Tips for October

• Buy the mocadorà early: the best ones sell out in the days before the 9th.
• Arrive early for the 9 d'Octubre procession if you want to see the Senyera lowered.
• Check the forecast: October can bring heavy rain.
• Make the most of terraces: it is still very pleasant outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Valencia in October?

Mild: highs of 23-25 °C and gentle nights. There can be episodes of heavy rain, so it is worth checking the forecast.

What is celebrated on 9 October in Valencia?

Valencian Community Day, which commemorates James I's entry into Valencia in 1238. The main event is the civic procession of the Real Senyera.

What is the mocadorà?

A traditional gift on 9 October, Sant Donís's day: a handkerchief tied around marzipan figures shaped like fruit and vegetables, given to your partner.

When is the Valencia Half Marathon?

At the end of October. It is one of the fastest half marathons in the world and the city turns out to cheer.

Is October good weather for terraces?

Yes. October is one of the best months for lunch or dinner outdoors in Valencia: neither cold nor summer-hot.

What is on at Palau Alameda in October?

October's agenda is at the end of this article and updates automatically, with concerts, afternoon sessions and nights. Àtic opens its terrace for lunch, dinner and afterwork.