Spain’s National Day

If you enjoy Spanish festivities or would like to get to know them, on 12 October you will have the opportunity to experience one of the biggest. Spain's National Day, also known as Día de la Hispanidad, has been celebrated since 1892, when the reigning queen at the time, María Cristina de Habsburgo Lorena, issued a royal decree establishing that day as a holiday. The idea came from President Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, to commemorate the discovery of America in 1492.

On this date, the military presence is fundamental. All kinds of parades are organised throughout the country, with the participation of senior officials and royalty. The celebration began to become more militarised after the war in Morocco, which laid the foundations for the army to gain prominence in this commemoration. During Franco's dictatorship, the name became Día de la Raza, but this did not endure. It was understood that the Franco dictatorship used the holiday to support its political ideas.

Today the commemoration still faces criticism, although in Spain it is experienced as a major celebration of cultural reach beyond Europe.