Dia de la Hispanidad

What is it, why and how is it celebrated? 

On October 12, Spain celebrates the day of the Spanish language and nation. On this significant occasion, the citizens of Spain recall the thousand-year history of their country, emphasizing the role that Spain plays today in the international socio-political arena. As part of the events dedicated to the day of the National Holiday of Hispanidad, the armed forces are paraded at the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, known as the parade in honor of Spain Day, which is undoubtedly the most outstanding event of this holiday. On October 12, the day of the Virgin Mary del Pilar, patroness of Zaragoza and Spain, is also celebrated, the celebration of which coincides with the day of Spain. 

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America. He landed with his people on the island of Guanani in the Bahamas Archipelago, which marked the beginning of a cultural bridge between the peoples of America and Europe. This historical fact ended with the so-called "meeting of two worlds". But it was only in 1892 that the Queen Regent Maria Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine issued a Royal Decree in San Sebastian at the suggestion of President Antonio Canovas del Castillo, in which October 12 was declared a national holiday to commemorate the Discovery of America. On October 12, 1939, after 6 months of the post-war period, an official celebration was held in Zaragoza under the chairmanship of Francisco Franco, which became a symbol of the new policy that he advocated. 

But this holiday was not regulated by law until 1958, when a decree of the President of the government established "Given the great importance that October 12 has for Spain and all the peoples of Hispanic America, this date will be a national holiday called dia de la Hispanidad." 

You may wonder why the Armed Forces are holding a parade during this holiday when they already have their own day. The answer lies in the Royal Decree of 1997, which legally regulated the military parade. The text expresses the importance of strengthening the National Holiday of Spain as much as possible and striving to integrate the historical and cultural elements that make up the Spanish nation. In this regard, the most important events that were previously held on Armed Forces Day were postponed to October 12. 

In many Latin American countries, October 12 was renamed from "Race Day" to "Indigenous Peoples' Resistance Day".