October 12th : Spain's National Holiday

 

Tommorrow - October 12th is Spain's National Holiday, known as Hispanic Day (Fiesta Nacional de España or Dia de la Hispanidad. It commemorates the day which Christopher Columbus reportedly first set foot on American soil, and is therefore related to the Columbus Day celebrations held on the same day and for the same purpose across the Americas.

The Holiday generally entails a parade led by the military (usually held in Madrid) presided by the Spanish King. The President also plays a major role in the ceremony, second only to the role of the King. Then a number of National, Regional and foreign dignitaries are invited to attend the parade and aerobatics performed by the Spanish Armed Forces, typically by the Patrulla Aguila.

In the Autonomous Community of Aragon, the 12th October also honors 'Our Lady of the Pilar', their patroness. It is also observed by the Civil Guard.