Spain’s Grand National Holiday: Fiesta Nacional de España
Every year on the 12th of October, Spain celebrates its grand national holiday, the ‘Fiesta Nacional de España’. This day is considered one of the most significant festivals in the country and is recognized as a bank holiday for all workers. The festivities include a military parade in the heart of Madrid, graced by the presence of the Royal Family, the President of the Government, and other political representatives. The 12th of October holds historical significance for Spain as it marks the beginning of the ‘meeting of two worlds’, Europe and America, and this day serves as a commemoration of that event.
Spain: A Top Destination for Global Tourists
Spain is globally recognized as one of the countries with the highest tourist demands. Every year, millions of travelers visit Spain to experience its rich cultural and artistic heritage, beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, and of course, the food and drink. The tourism boom in Spain started in the sixties and has been growing ever since, with events like the Barcelona Olympic Games and the Seville Expo in 1992 gaining worldwide attention. Coastal towns such as Benidorm, Torremolinos, and Marbella are popular for their sun and beach tourism, thanks to the wide range of restaurants and hotels located on the seaside. The north of Spain, although slightly colder and wetter, offers its own attractions like the Camino de Santiago route, the San Fermin bull-running festival, and the Picos de Europa mountain range.
The Significance of Celebrating the National Holiday on 12th October
The national holiday is celebrated every 12th October, as per Law 18/1987. The celebrations include a military parade and an air show, attended by many people, including the King of Spain. The first celebration took place on 12th October 1935 in Madrid, but it was not made official until 1958, during the rule of the dictator Francisco Franco. The Spanish government’s official publication, the BOE, describes this day as “the historic event in which Spain begins a period of linguistic and cultural projection beyond European borders”. This is because on October 12th, 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived on Guarani Island in the Bahamas, marking the ‘discovery of the Americas’. This event changed the world view forever, marking the first contact between Europe and America and initiating the colonization of America by the European continent. The Fiesta Nacional de España commemorates this historic event to this day.
Celebrating the National Holiday of Spain 2019
Join in the celebration of the National Holiday of Spain 2019 by watching some of the parades or simply taking time off work to enjoy the early autumn air.
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