The event began with the raising of the Senyera (Valencian flag) to the sound of the national anthem. Mayor Pepe Vegara emphasized that Orihuela celebrates this day as a founding part of Valencian history, stating: “We are Valencians not by accident or administrative convenience.” He stressed that Orihuela's Valencian identity does not detract from its Spanishness but is part of it.
Vegara expressed solidarity with Ceuta following the attack on Spain's territorial integrity, showing "unwavering" support for the country's unity. He highlighted Orihuela's diversity, encompassing its historic center, districts, and coast, as its greatest asset and the foundation of its unity, asserting that all residents have equal rights regardless of their place of residence.
The Mayor called for unity and a focus on project-based debate in the upcoming electoral cycle, urging avoidance of attacks and insults. He also demanded "territorial justice" for Orihuela, requesting that its demographic and economic weight translate into real investment and the recovery of the Llibre dels Repartiments (Book of Distributions).
The ceremony concluded with the raising of the Senyera to the tune of the Valencian Community Anthem, performed by the Ginés Pérez de la Parra choir and the Conservatory band, followed by a firecracker display.
“"Orihuela celebrates this day not as a guest, but as a founding part of that History. We are Valencians not by accident or administrative convenience."
“"We are Valencians and we are Spaniards, without the former detracting in the slightest from the latter."
“"We ask for territorial justice, not privileges: that the demographic, economic, and social weight of our city finally translates into real investment."
