Celebrate La Fiesta Nacional de Espa?a, Spain's National Day!

As the capital of Spain, Madrid is where you want to be every year when October 12th arrives, better known as the National Day of Spain or “Día de la Fiesta Nacional de Espa?a“. The atmosphere buzzes with nationalistic intensity, the streets are covered in Spanish flags and packed with crowds of people making their way to the city centre. Since it's a public holiday, chances are that you won't have to attend work or school that day, so you can take advantage by joining the festivities!

The National Day of Spain, also known as “Fiesta Nacional de Espa?a“, is more than just a celebration of the country. It also remembers the day when Christopher Columbus mistakenly landed in the Americas instead of India, which had a significant impact worldwide. The holiday is celebrated in many European and other countries, and in Latin America, it's observed in various ways under different names such as “Día de la Hispanidad“, “Día de la Raza“, “Día de las Américas“ and “Día de las Culturas“. Some of these holidays have changed the original meaning of the day itself, to celebrate their independence from Spain, Latin American unity and Hispanic identity.

Apart from enjoying a day off from work or school, there are numerous exciting events to participate in during the National Day of Spain. One of the grandest celebrations is the renowned military parade that takes place along Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Paseo de Castellana and up to Plaza Colón. It is hosted by the Spanish government and military, and thousands of spectators gather to witness the patriotic procession, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the King himself. Besides, a magnificent airshow is put up by the Spanish Armed Forces Aerobatics team around 10:00 in the morning.

It is also known as the Día del Pilar, as Roman Catholics commemorate Our Lady of the Pilar, the patron saint of Spain.?

The Pilar Festival, also known as Fiestas del Pilar, is an annual celebration that takes place on the 12th of October in Zaragoza. Prior to the official date, the city is filled with music, parades, theatrical performances and an abundance of flowers to honour the Virgin of Pilar.

The festival dates back to 40 AD, when St James the Apostle visited the location to spread Christianity to the predominantly pagan population. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to him on the night of January 2nd on a marble pillar and asked him to build a church at the site. A chapel was initially constructed around the pillar, which was subsequently replaced by more elaborate churches over the years. Presently, the impressive Basilica del Pilar stands on the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to St James. It was designed in 1681 and has undergone several modifications over time, with the Basilica's towers only being fully completed in the 20th century.

During the Pilar Feast, many events take place such as a parade with over half a million participants wearing traditional costumes from different regions of Spain, the Offering of Flowers and Fruits to the image of the Virgin Mary, and the Glass Rosary procession. The festivities span from morning until late afternoon. The Flower Offering involves placing flowers on a specially constructed ramp, while the Fruits Offering involves presenting the best fruits from that year's harvest. The fruits are then given to charity kitchens, demonstrating solidarity. The Glass Rosary procession is a religious event held on the 13th, where participants carry glass lanterns representing each bead of the Rosary and showcasing different aspects of religious beliefs. These events attract a large crowd and signify solidarity and religious devotion.

Apart from the Glass Rosary procession, visitors can enjoy in numerous events such as a parade showcasing Giants and Big-Heads (“gigantes y cabezudos“), a food-centred General Fair, a Beer Fest, a bullfighting festival and other events such as fireworks, concerts, street performances, theatre shows? and a circus. The festival attracts a crowd of over 250,000 visitors and is known for its wide-ranging and lively activities, making it one of Spain's most favoured festivals.