Does a national identity day make sense? And if so, when and how? Every year when these dates arrive, within the theme of the Spanish political system, we open a debate around this question and the meaning of October 12. Over the last three lessons, it has also become a classic that before starting the discussion, we listen ‘October 12: five alternative dates for National Day‘, by Juanlu Sánchez in One topic per day. The podcast – which does not lose its validity – explores how other countries celebrate their national day and, above all, if in Spain they could think of different dates that call on other references from their history. After collective reflection, the class concludes with a survey whose result is repeated year after year, March 19 and December 6 being the most voted options, and October 12 the last preference.
Without logically being a significant investigation in statistical terms, the response can be symptomatic, both by the arguments which arose during the debate – which we will now dissect – and by the reflection of the growing questioning of our National Day at the inside and outside Spain. The question then becomes unavoidable: why is October 12 so boring? Before delving into the causes, it should be noted that we are faced with a fairly heterogeneous group, with a majority of Spanish students, but with a strong representation of French students (this is a joint degree of Complutense University of Madrid and Sciences Po). Toulouse), as well as several Erasmus students and others from Latin America. This diversity becomes particularly interesting, since it is the students who put themselves in front of the mirror of their own identity, without nationality being an element of differentiation in their opinions.
