October arrives with a date marked on the calendar by all Spaniards. Next Saturday, October 12, will be celebrated the Spanish national holiday, known as Hispanic Heritage Day, which also celebrates the Day of the Virgin of Pilar. Unlike other years, in 2024 there will be no long weekend since the public holiday falls on a Saturday and the autonomous communities have decided not to move it to Monday 14 of the same month.
The Spanish National Day, as it is officially called, will be somewhat different this year 2024 since October 12 does not coincide with its traditional long weekend which usually gives a few days off to workers. This year, Hispanic Heritage Day falls on a Saturday and it will be the day when many events will take place throughout the territory in homage to the Spanish flag.
THE National Day of Spain It has been celebrated on October 12 since 1982, when it was published in the Official State Gazette THE Law 18/1987of October 7, which sets the day of National Day of Spain on October 12. In its only article, this rule states that: “October 12 is declared a national holiday in Spain, for all purposes”.
“The commemoration of the National Day, a common practice in today’s world, aims to solemnly commemorate moments in collective history which are part of the common historical, cultural and social heritage, assumed as such by the vast majority of citizens”, we can read. the standard which also specifies that: “The chosen date, October 12, symbolizes the historic anniversary in which Spain, on the verge of concluding a process of state building based on our cultural and political plurality, and integration of the Kingdoms of Spain, into the same monarchy, begins a period of linguistic and cultural projection beyond European limits.
The most important holiday in October
October 12 is the most important holiday of the year and the chosen date is linked to the Discovery of America from Christopher Columbus in 1492. On October 12, Columbus and his men arrived at Guanahani Island, in the Bahamas archipelago, which they named San Salvador and which is considered the day of their discovery of the new world. It is therefore the date chosen as the day on which the National Day of Spain was to be celebrated, which in turn is also the day Day of the Virgin of Pilar.
Hispanic Heritage Day is characterized by the military parade that runs through the streets of Madrid and in which the kings of Spain will once again be present this year, as well as the Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Sofia. The highest authorities of the State will also be present. In addition to celebrating the Spanish National Day and the Day of the Virgin of the Pillar, October 12 is also the day of the Armed Forces, which will travel the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid.
Programming in Madrid for Hispanic Heritage Day
Hispanic Heritage Day will be celebrated in Madrid for about a week with a final celebration on October 12 with the solemn military parade in the center of the capital. “All accents have their place in Madrid”is the motto of Hispanidad 2024, which will be celebrated from October 4 to 13 in a program that includes 184 activities and 750 artists of 22 different nationalities.
This program will begin with a proclamation by the director of the Orchestra and Choir of the Community of Madrid, Alondra de la Parra and in the following days there will be important performances such as that of Manuel Turizo, which will take place on October 6 at the Puerta de Alcalá. For its part, the Juan Carlos I Park will host the festival MadBlue with artists like Iván Ferreiro, Mikel Izal, DJ Nano, Álvaro de Luna or Leo Rizzi while artists like Ptazeta, La Cendejas, Yotuel, Diego Torres, Tan Biónica and Abel Pintos will perform at Puerta del Sol. In the Plaza de Callao, Plaza Mayor or Madrid Río There will also be performances during these days.
The party will end with the military parade that will begin at the Emperor Charles V roundabout, continue along the Paseo del Prado, through the Neptune and Cibeles fountains, cross the Paseo de Recoletos and end on the Colon Square.
