Spain celebrates its National Day on Thursday, October 12, making it a day free from work. It is a perfect opportunity to get out to the city and explore the abundance of activities available during this long weekend.

City events

For the whole weekend from the 12th until the 15th embrace the season with the craft exhibition at the Colón Market. You can explore the market and see the incredible work by local artists from 11.00 am until 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm until 9.00 pm.

Address: C/ de Jorge Juan, 19, 46004 València, Valencia

Great live music and dance shows

Come to La Fábrica de Hielo on the 12th of October at 1.30 pm for a live music show with Claudio H and Plá V and taste their sound influenced by jazz, funk, reggae, Brazilian and Latin American rhythms, with careful and substantial lyrics. Later, on Sunday, you can stop by to enjoy Three Cool Cats! if you are in the mood for swing and blues, or Bapolulos if you crave some good rock’n’roll.

More about the events on the website: https://www.lafabricadehielo.net/

Address: C/ de Pavia, 37, 46011 València, Valencia

On Saturday the 14th of October at 10.30 pm, El Ring will perform the greatest rock hits of all time in Radio City. Their repertoire includes songs by the Rolling Stones, U2, Tom Petty and Black Crowes, as well as Spanish hits by Los Ronaldos, MClan, or Los Rodríguez.

Tickets are available on the official webpage: https://entradium.com/es/events/el-ring

Address: C/ de Sta. Teresa, 19, 46001 València, Valencia

Visit 16 TONELADAS and enjoy the captivating array of concerts on offer. On the 12th, get moved by the pure anti-war energy of a German mental band Kanonenfieber or get immersed in soundscapes full of intense emotions with Perennial Isolation and their black metal sound. Meanwhile, the Jolly Jokers are looking forward to performing their best rock tracks on the 14th when they return to their hometown.

The whole programme and information about the passes: https://www.16toneladas.com/

Address: C/ de Ricardo Micó, 3, 46009 València, Valencia

Throughout all four days of the weekend, Café del Duende invites everyone to witness their spectacular flamenco programme with the most talented dancers and singers. The performances are executed with such finesse that they are sure to touch your soul.

More about the performers and ticket information: https://cafedelduende.com/en/

Address: C/ del Túria, 62, 46008 València, Valencia

Spectacular art exhibitions

For people who want to spend the weekend on reflection and interaction with art, The Valencia Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity (MuVIM) promises an intellectual, sensorial, and emotional experience with its extensive collection of art in all forms. The space is offering workshops dedicated to the youngest visitors on the 14th and 15th of October, along with a guided tour of the permanent exhibition featuring a giant model of Father Tosca on the 15th.

Find out more about the museum here: http://www.muvim.es/en/pagina/whats-muvim

Address: C/ de Quevedo, 10, 46001 València, Valencia

For art connoisseurs who appreciate modern art, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) offers a captivating journey through the ongoing evolution of 20th-century art and photography. On the 14th, the museum will organise one of its guided tours in English called ‘Sightseeing IVAM,’ which delves into the museum’s origins. It also brings the visitor closer to the impressive collection of works by renowned artists, including sculptor Julio González, painter Ignacio Pinazo, and Nigerian artist Otobong Nkanga, whose exhibition ‘Longing for the Light of the South’ will be the tour’s grand finale.

To read more about the exhibitions, see the official website: https://ivam.es/en/

Address: C/ de Guillem de Castro, 118, 46003 València, Valencia

Report by Konrad Leśniak

Photo ‘Café del Duende’ copyright Julia McGee-Russell/ ’24/7 Valencia’