Wondering why today is a holiday? Simple — Spain celebrates Día de la Hispanidad, the country’s National Day.
The date commemorates October 12, 1492, the day when Christopher Columbus first set foot in America. It marks the moment when two worlds met — Europe and the New World — and a new era began, connecting continents, cultures, and languages.
Celebrations in Madrid
The main event, as always, takes place in Madrid, where a spectacular military parade fills the streets:
the royal family, the national anthem, hundreds of soldiers, and aircraft painting the sky in the colors of the Spanish flag.
The atmosphere is powerful, festive, and deeply patriotic.
This holiday has been officially recognized by law since 1987, but each autonomous community decides whether to move the day off if it falls on a weekend.
A Mini “Puente” Weekend
This year, October 12 falls on a Sunday, so in many regions Monday, October 13, will also be a day off —
a kind of “mini puente” (holiday bridge) and another perfect chance to extend the weekend.
And just a week later comes another long weekend — Día de San Rafael, the day of Saint Raphael, the patron of Córdoba, also celebrated across Andalusia.
It’s not as grand as today’s event, but still an official holiday.
Spain — the Champion of Holidays
Spain ranks among the top five European countries for the number of public holidays.
By law, there are 14 paid holidays per year, putting Spain second only to Cyprus,
not counting all the extra “bridges” (puentes) that Spaniards love to take.
For example:
If a holiday falls on a Thursday, Friday often becomes a day off.
If it’s on a Tuesday, many people also take Monday off.
That’s how Spain’s famous puentes are born — those “bridges” that make the Spanish calendar so enjoyable.
The Art of Relaxing, Spanish Style
It may seem like Spain has too many holidays, but they create that special atmosphere of joy, ease, and love for life.
And when it’s time to rest — Spaniards do it beautifully: with flags, smiles, walks, and friends.
Happy Día de la Hispanidad!
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