Two names, one town – why the Xàbia/Jávea language conflict is flaring up again

In the narrow streets of Xàbia’s old town, where white façades reflect the sunlight and orange trees hang heavy with fruit, something suddenly caught my eye: the town sign had been defaced. ‘Jávea’ was still faintly visible underneath, but someone had struck through it with thick black paint. A few houses down, a banner hung from a balcony: “Esta casa diu sí al valencià.” This house says yes to Valencian. A friendly message, but with a sharp undertone. What’s going on here? A language conflict in Xàbia / Jávea?

A town with two names

Most people know this place as Jávea. That’s how it appears in tourist guides and on old maps. But those who live here know that Xàbia is the official name. Since 2008, it has been the only legally recognized designation, in Valencian. That choice wasn’t just a bureaucratic formality, but a statement: Xàbia belongs to the Comunidad Valenciana, and Valencian isn’t a quaint cultural relic—it’s a living language. Still, the Castilian name remains very much alive, especially among Spanish-speaking residents and foreign expats. And that creates friction.

Language becomes visible in the streetscape

In recent weeks, I’ve been seeing it all over the region: Valencian flags hanging from balconies, language-themed stickers on lampposts, and yes, town signs that have been defaced. In Moraira, my own village, it’s more subtle—but even there, the streetscape whispers its message. Sometimes with pride, sometimes with irritation. Because here, language isn’t just a means of communication. It’s identity. And identity is rarely neutral.

Why now, again?

The resurgence of this language conflict in towns like Xàbia / Jávea doesn’t seem coincidental. In Catalonia, the independence issue continues to simmer, while political parties like Compromís in the Comunidad Valenciana highlight the role of Valencian as a cultural cornerstone and source of regional pride. At the same time, the national party VOX is campaigning to place Castilian Spanish above all else. As a result, regional sensitivities that once remained quietly beneath the surface are rising again. And you can see it in the streets.

When even a website that calls itself Xabia.com uses Javea.com as its actual domain name… well, there you have it.

It recently became clear that Xàbia is also choosing Valencian as the primary language of instruction in schools: starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, most schools will adopt Valencian as the main language instead of Spanish. According to Javea.com, this is a conscious decision by local schools to strengthen the presence of the regional language among younger generations. This policy shift adds fuel to the debate: for some, it’s a natural expression of cultural pride; for others, it feels like a step toward excluding non-Valencian speakers.

From name to nuance

The confusion between Xàbia and Jávea isn’t just about spelling. It taps into a deeper sense of ownership over a place. For one resident, Xàbia represents historical continuity and cultural identity. For another, Jávea is simply the name of the town where they bought their home, sent their children to school, and began their retirement. No one is necessarily wrong—yet it often feels like you’re expected to choose sides.

Personal stories, shared space

Last week, I spoke with Ximo (a common nickname for Joaquim, typically Valencian), a local teacher who teaches exclusively in Valencian. “If we don’t pass it on, who will?” he asked me. I also spoke with Ana from Madrid, who has been living in Jávea since retiring. “I’m learning a few words, but I’m Spanish. That’s not going to change, is it?” And somewhere in between is Marta, twenty years old and bilingual, who mostly finds the whole thing exhausting. “Why can’t we just be happy we have more than one language?”

Spain is one country… right?

As I wrote in this earlier article, Spain often feels less like a single country and more like a patchwork of small kingdoms—each with its own customs, languages, and sense of pride. Xàbia is a living example of that. The tension between Xàbia and Jávea isn’t just a squabble among linguists; it reflects how deeply intertwined national and regional identities can be.

Multiplicity, with a touch of grace

When I walk through the market early in the morning, I sometimes hear Spanish, English, Valencian, and even German within just a five-meter radius. That’s the true face of this region—multilingual, diverse, and mostly peaceful. And that’s exactly why it’s important to remain sensitive to the nuances. Language should connect us. And it starts with letting each other speak, without rushing to correct.

I continue to use Jávea and Xàbia interchangeably, depending on who I’m talking to. Not out of laziness, but out of respect. Maybe that’s the only truly fitting approach in a region with so many layers. When even a website that calls itself Xabia.com uses Javea.com as its domain name… well, there you have it.