Spain is all set to Celebrate its National Day on October 12th with Gaiety

Fiesta Nacional de Espana or the National Day of Spain is celebrated on October 12. Also known as the Hispanic Day or the Dia de la Hispanidad, this day is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Columbus in Americas in 1906. It is also celebrated as the day of the Armed Forces in Spain.

History

On that day in 1492 a new page in the world history was written when Europe and The Americas became aware of each other’s existence for the very first time. Two years later, in 1494, Christopher Columbus reached the shores of Jamaica in the course of his second voyage.

Up until 1987, the day was celebrated as the Hispanic Day in Spain to celebrate the country’s association with Hispanidad. Hispanidad is a common community formed by countries of Hispanic origin. In 1987, through an official order, the day was renamed as the National Day of Spain. Prior to that, the National Day of Spain used to be celebrated on different dates over the years.

Celebrations

The day sees muted celebrations in the country. It is marked with rising of Spain’s National Flag in Madrid by the king of Spain. The flag raising ceremony is followed by a military parade which showcases the country’s weapons and artillery. An air show takes place with the armed forces performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air. Laser light show is also another attraction of the event. It is a public holiday and most of the shops and the offices are closed on this day. The parade shows and the air shows are telecasted over the television channels. As part of the event’s formalities, The Embassy of Spain shares their speech addressing the citizens. the bright colored flags hang over the streets of the country arising a feel of unity and brotherhood.