Valencians

Valencians are the inhabitants of the Valencian Community, an autonomous community in eastern Spain that comprises the provinces of Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia. The term is also used for people who identify with Valencian culture and the Valencian language. The community has about five million residents.

Language and identity: The Valencian language, known as Valencian (Valencià), is a variety of Catalan and is co-official with Spanish in the Valencian Community. It is used in education, media, and public administration, though fluency varies by area. The Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua and other institutions promote standardization and cultural promotion.

Culture and traditions: The region has a rich folklore and culinary tradition. Las Fallas, a major festival celebrated in Valencia in March, is recognized internationally and was inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Valencian cuisine includes paella, arroz al horno, and horchata, among other dishes. The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is a notable modern architectural complex.

History and governance: The region was historically part of the Crown of Aragon and later became an autonomous community of Spain in 1982 under the Statute of Autonomy. The regional government is the Generalitat Valenciana, with a president and the Cortes Valencianas (Valencian Parliament) responsible for legislation.