Today is Valencia Community Day. Celebrated annually on October 9th, this is a public holiday in the Valenciana region of Spain. Valencia is the principal city in the region. Known as ‘Día de la Comunidad Valenciana’, this holiday commemorates the capture of the city of Balansiya (Valencia) from Moorish forces in 1238 by King James I of Aragon
Founded as Valencia by the Romans, the city has passed from Christian to Moorish control from the 8th century to the 13th century. In 1238, King James I of Aragon laid siege to Valencia and after five months, the Moors finally surrendered on September 28th. On October 9th, James took possession of the city.
Whilst many people from different religions were allowed to stay, Fifty thousand Moors were forced to leave. After the Christian victory, the city was divided between the forces who had participated in the conquest.
James granted the city new charters of law (known as the Furs of Valencia). The changes brought by James redefined the city and the region in many ways, forming the basis of the character and key traditions of the Valencian regions.
The day features many activities, the most famous of which is the civic procession in Valencia. It has been held since 1338, when it was instituted by Peter IV of Aragon to celebrate the centenary of the Kingdom of Valencia and to demand protection to Saint Dionysius in the middle of a famine caused by poor rains.
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Today is the birthday, in 1940, of John Lennon singer, songwriter, guitarist, The Beatles who have sold over 20m singles in the UK (1962-1970), and scored more UK & US No.1 albums than any other group. Their 1967 Sgt. Pepper is the UK’s biggest selling album ever. In 1990 Lennon’s song ‘Imagine’ was played simultaneously in 130 countries to commemorate what would’ve been Lennon’s 50th birthday. He was shot dead in New York by Mark Chapman on 8th December 1980. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-VAxGJdJeQ
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