On Friday 9 October, Valencia celebrates the Day of the Valencian Community, and this year the date carries extra weight: it marks 750 years since the death of King James I, known as the Conqueror (Jaume I). The result is a long weekend with the whole city in festive mood, and thousands of visitors asking themselves the same question: what do I do with my suitcase?

What you shouldn't miss

The big day begins at 12:00 with the Civic Procession, which leaves from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This year the Reial Senyera, the historic Valencian banner, will be joined by the sword traditionally attributed to Jaume I, which is a rare sight. Around 14:00 comes the mascletà in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a daytime fireworks show where you feel the noise in your chest as much as you hear it. In the afternoon, at 17:00, the 21st Moors and Christians Parade sets off from the Jardines de la Glorieta, and this year it also pays tribute to the towns affected by the 2024 floods.

If you arrive earlier, on Thursday 8 there is music, folk dancing in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and two fireworks displays at the Monteolivete Bridge, at 23:30 and 23:59. And until 13 October you can wander through the medieval market in the Turia Gardens, between the Puente de la Exposición and the Puente de las Flores.

The problem of the in-between hours

Hardly anyone arrives in Valencia exactly at check-in time. If your train or flight gets in during the morning, the room isn't ready yet; if you leave in the evening, check-out was hours ago. On a day like 9 October, with streets closed for parades and big crowds, dragging a suitcase through the centre is the last thing you want to do.

The solution: leave it at Center Lockers

At Center Lockers (Calle Maestro Sosa, 33), about 200 metres from Joaquín Sorolla station, your luggage is kept in a supervised space staffed by our team. We are open every day from 6:30 to 23:00, so you can drop your bag as soon as you step off the train and pick it up late at night, after the fireworks. There are three sizes: small (a cabin suitcase or small backpack) from 2.50 € per day, medium for 4.00 € and large for 6.00 €. You can book in a few minutes on our website.

A plan for the long weekend

Friday: arrive in the morning, drop your luggage, and head straight to the Civic Procession, the mascletà and the Moors and Christians parade. After dinner, collect your things at your own pace and head to your hotel.

Saturday or Sunday: take the chance to get out of the city. Sagunto is about 30 minutes away by train and has a hilltop castle overlooking the coast and a Roman theatre. Xàtiva, with its castle above the town, is another classic day trip, and the Albufera and El Palmar are perfect for a sunset over the lake and a paella. For a day trip, you don't need to carry anything: leave your suitcase in storage, take just a light daypack, and come back for it whenever suits you.

Quick tips

- Book ahead: on festival weekends demand goes up.

- Check train timetables, as they often change on public holidays.

- Get to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento early if you want to see the mascletà up close: it fills up.

- Pack only the essentials in your daypack: water, sunscreen, earplugs (if you are sensitive to noise) and a phone charger.

Valencia is best enjoyed when you walk without the weight. This 9 October, leave your suitcase in good hands and focus on what matters: the festival.

Book your space at centerlockers.com