Event
Constitution Day
A public holiday to commemorate the approval of the new constitution in 1978. The beginning of a new era.
About this event
On the coming 6 December, one of the immovable public holidays in Spanish culture is celebrated. After the Franco dictatorship, a vindication by the government towards the Spanish people, who had endured tyranny for so many years, was necessary. The regime fell with Franco’s death, and the time came to celebrate the first democratic elections. The referendum took place on 6 December 1978, as a result of the transition needed to leave the dictatorship behind.
At first it was not celebrated as a public holiday, but in 1983 it was registered as such under Real Decreto 2964/1983. This festivity is not about traditions or family celebrations. It mainly involves commemorative events organised by the Administración del Estado and educational centres.
The 1978 Constitution was one of the most important steps taken by the Spanish government to consolidate democratic processes and allow the country’s development in diverse areas. The celebration is not just another public holiday; it symbolises Spain’s progress and the opportunity to lay the foundations for democratic normalisation.