Andalusia Day – February 28, 2025

History of Andalusia Day

Andalusia Day is celebrated to commemorate the referendum on the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia. This event took place on February 28, 1980. It was necessary for a large majority of voters to support this referendum for Andalusia to officially become an autonomous community in Spain. This day is an autonomous community public holiday where schools, businesses, and government offices are closed.

However, a few nationalist groups choose to celebrate Andalusia Day on December 4, a date which marks the demonstrations to demand independence that took place in 1977.

The citizens usually spend the holiday enjoying some quiet time with family or close friends. Some people choose to organize or attend private parties featuring traditional music, dancing, food, and drink. In some municipalities, people hold communal meals. Local politicians present people with certificates or medals for service to the community.

During the event, many people in the country decorate their balconies with the national flag of Andalusia. There are entertaining cultural competitions that are often held during the day. Schools are closed for a ‘La Semana Cultural’ or a cultural week in some cities, especially in the Málaga area. The Friday before Andalusia Day is often a day of celebration in schools. There is a traditional Andalusian breakfast called “desayuno andaluz” that is eaten, which consists of a slice of toast with a thin layer of olive oil and orange juice. In most schools, students color pictures that refer to the symbols and insignia of Andalusia. The children put on plays and sing the national anthem, the “Himno de Andalucía.”

Andalusia is a city that many people enjoy visiting as there are a lot of breathtaking sites to see. The country is filled with gorgeous castles that create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Some of the most beautiful castles are the Castillo de la Guardia, the Castillo de Segura de la Sierra, and the Castillo de la Mota. There are also the Castillo de la Yedra and the Castillo de Santa Catalina.

 It is largely an agricultural community, though, in recent times, it has seen exponential growth in industrialization. Andalusia has eight parts to it, Almeria, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and the capital city of the community, Seville.