Malcolm Rivera
Constitution Day in Spain is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the 1978 referendum, in which the Spanish people approved the country's current constitution. It is celebrated annually on December 6th and marks the beginning of Spain's transition to democracy. Most businesses, including shops, are closed on this day, although some restaurants, cafes, and food stores may remain open.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 6th of December |
| Type of shops open | Bakers, food stores, restaurants, and cafes |
| Type of shops closed | Most shops and businesses |
| Public life | Quiet |
| Public transport | Available but reduced |
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What You'll Learn
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Spain
Constitution Day, or Día de la Constitución, is a public holiday in Spain. It is celebrated annually on December 6th and marks the anniversary of the 1978 referendum, in which the Spanish people approved the country's current constitution. This was a significant step in Spain's transition to becoming a democracy and ending the dictatorship that had ruled the country for many years.
The day is a national holiday, and as such, most businesses and organizations are closed. This includes shops, with only a handful of bakeries, food stores, and restaurants remaining open. Schools are also closed, giving children the day off. Public transport services operate on a reduced schedule, and there may be no services in rural areas. The Spanish flag, which was confirmed in the 1978 constitution, is widely displayed on homes, public buildings, and even public transport.
In the days leading up to Constitution Day, Spanish children and young people attend extra lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of their country. A group of high school students is invited to read the Constitution in the Lower House of the parliamentary buildings in Madrid a few days before December 6th. On Constitution Day itself, Spain's Congress opens its doors to the public, who are given commemorative gifts.
Constitution Day is often seen as the start of the December holidays, with many Spaniards taking the following Friday off work to bridge the gap between Constitution Day and the weekend. This long weekend is often celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, which is also a national holiday. In recent years, Constitution Day has become a popular day for protest marches and political statements.
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Most businesses are closed, but some restaurants and cafes are open
Constitution Day in Spain is a public holiday, marking the anniversary of a referendum held on December 6, 1978, in which a new constitution was approved by 88% of the people of Spain. This was a crucial step in the country's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. It is a day off for the general population, and most businesses are closed. However, some restaurants and cafes are likely to remain open, and some bakers and food stores may also be open. Public transport services generally run to a reduced schedule, and there may be no services in rural areas.
Constitution Day is a significant event in Spanish history, but for most Spaniards, it is just another day off work. The day is also seen as the start of the December holidays, and many people take the day off in conjunction with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, which is also a public holiday. In recent years, Constitution Day has become a popular day for protest marches and political statements.
On Constitution Day, Spain's Congress opens its doors to the public, and visitors are given commemorative gifts. The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on private homes, public buildings, and even public transport vehicles. The flag may be displayed alone or together with the European and regional flags. In the days before Constitution Day, children and young people attend extra lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain. A selection of high school students are invited to read the Constitution in the Lower House of the parliamentary buildings in Madrid a few days before December 6.
While most businesses are closed on Constitution Day, some may choose to follow Saturday opening hours if the holiday falls on a Saturday. Some businesses may also take advantage of the opportunity and remain open, so it is always a good idea to call ahead before heading out.
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Schools are closed on Constitution Day
Constitution Day in Spain, or Día de la Constitución, is a national public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of a referendum held on December 6, 1978. On this day, 88% of the Spanish population approved a new constitution, marking a significant step towards Spain's transition to a constitutional monarchy and democracy.
Constitution Day is a day off for the general population. In the days leading up to Constitution Day, children and young people attend extra lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain. High school students are invited to read the Constitution in the Lower House of the parliamentary buildings in Madrid a few days before December 6 each year.
The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on private homes, public buildings, and even public transport vehicles on Constitution Day. It consists of two horizontal red bands, separated by a yellow band that is twice the width of the red bands. This flag was confirmed in the 1978 constitution.
Constitution Day is a significant event in Spanish history, marking the country's transition to democracy. It is a day when Spaniards celebrate the beginning of their nation's new era of democracy.
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The day is marked with official ceremonies and protests
Constitution Day in Spain is a public holiday that marks the anniversary of a referendum held on December 6, 1978, in which a new constitution was approved by 88% of the Spanish population. This was a crucial step in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, and it represents the country's new era as a democratic nation.
The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on private homes, public buildings, and even public transport vehicles on Constitution Day. It may be displayed alone or together with the European and regional flags. The Spanish Constitution is a highly symbolic document, and its physical representations are important on this day. An original copy, signed by King Juan Carlos I, is housed in the building of the Spanish Congress of Deputies on the Carrera de San Jerónimo in Madrid.
In recent years, Constitution Day has also become a popular day for protest marches and political statements, particularly in Catalunya, where separatist Catalans use the day to show their anti-Spanish sentiments, while pro-Spain supporters also march.
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The Spanish flag is widely displayed on this day
Constitution Day in Spain is a public holiday that marks the anniversary of a referendum held on December 6, 1978, in which a new constitution was approved by 88% of Spaniards. This was a crucial step in Spain's transition to becoming a democracy and constitutional monarchy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The day is characterised by quiet public life, with most businesses and organisations closed and a reduced public transport schedule.
The flag is also prominently displayed at official celebrations of Constitution Day, which are primarily engaged in by government officials. The parliamentary buildings in Madrid are open to the general public for one or two days, and a cocktail party is held on December 6. In the days leading up to Constitution Day, children and young people attend special lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain, and a select few high school students are invited to publicly read a copy of the constitution in the parliament building.
Constitution Day is a significant event in Spanish history, but for most of the general public, it is just another day off work. Some may choose to spend the day at home, relaxing with family or friends. However, restaurants and cafes are likely to be open, and many Spaniards will take an extra day off between Constitution Day and the upcoming Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, a practice known as "el Puente" or "the bridge".
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Frequently asked questions
No, Constitution Day is a national public holiday in Spain, so most businesses and shops are closed. However, some restaurants, cafes, and food stores may remain open.
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is a celebration of the day Spain became a democracy. It marks the anniversary of the 1978 referendum in which the Spanish people approved the current Spanish Constitution.
Constitution Day is celebrated annually on December 6th and is seen by most Spaniards as the start of the December holidays.
