Hispanic Day
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The National Holiday of Spain or Hispanic Day (Fiesta Nacional de España or Día de la Hispanidad, in Spanish; Festa Nacional d'Espanya or Dia de la Hispanitat, in Catalan/Valencian; Festa Nacional de España or Día da Hispanidade, in Galician; Espainiako Jai Nazionala or Hispanitate Eguna, in Basque) is the national day of Spain. It is held annually on October 12 and is a national holiday which commemorates the exact date of 1492 when Christopher Columbus first set a foot in the Americas.
To commemorate it, there is a parade led by the military (usually held in Madrid) presided by the Spanish King, who is the Head of State, since Spain is politically organized as a constitutional monarchy. The Presidente del Gobierno has also a special role in the ceremony, only second to the King. Then a wide array of authorities, from foreign diplomats deployed in Spain to members of the Autonomous governments, are invited to attend the parade and aerobatics performed by the Spanish Armed Forces.
In the Autonomous Community of Aragon, this date also commemorates Our Lady of the Pillar (their patroness). It is also observed by the Civil Guard.
- See Columbus Day for more details.
