The celebration of 9th October in Ontinyent this year aimed to assert the city's role in the historical construction of the Valencian people. The day began with performances by the Ontinyent dance group and the "El Regall" dulzaina and drum group in the Plaça Major, followed by the "ball de l'Àguila" performed by the Giants and Cabets association, accompanied by the "La Colla" percussion and dulzaina group. Subsequently, the procession led by Mayor Jorge Rodríguez proceeded to the Palau de La Vila for the institutional plenary session.
At the Palau de La Vila, awards were presented to local individuals and entities for their contributions to the city. This year's honorees included the rector of the Universitat de València Juan Luis Gandia, the collective Ontinyent Rural, the Assemblea Docent de La Vall d’Albaida, cyclist Sofía Rodríguez, businessman José Vicente García, and restaurateur Juan Robledillo. The event, broadcast on television and social media, included sign language translation thanks to an agreement between the City Council and the FESORD association.
During the plenary session, Ontinyent's official chronicler, Alfred Bernabeu, emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory, Valencian identity, and the native language, highlighting Ontinyent's role in the historical construction of the Valencian people. Bernabeu recalled the figure of Jaume I and stated that the city has been, is, and will be "the most faithful core of Valencian personality".
The chronicler also called for continued efforts to build a city that guarantees quality of life and offers future opportunities, reviewing projects such as the new General Hospital, the Institut de l’Estació, and the future Palau de Justícia, while also demanding improvements to the Xàtiva-Alcoi railway line and the duplication of the CV-60. In the university sphere, he highlighted the potential of the Ontinyent Campus and the future incorporation of Veterinary studies.
Bernabeu also underscored the population's sense of belonging, noting that "64% of registered residents were born in Ontinyent," a high index of territorial loyalty, fostered by the business network and the university campus. He emphasized "the attraction and retention of talent to establish the city as a place to build a life project." Finally, he congratulated the recipients of this year's 9th October Awards.
Following this, the 9th October awards were presented. Representing the honorees, the UV rector, Juan Luis Gandia, expressed gratitude for the distinction and highlighted "the desire to continue working, each in their own field, for the progress of our town, so that future generations find a place that welcomes them, listens to them, and offers them opportunities to build their lives".
As a new feature this year, the celebration included a parade as an epilogue to the event, leading to the vicinity of the Col·legi Lluis Vives, where a mascletà (firecracker display) took place as part of the festivities organized by the Neighborhood Association of the Llombo district.
