Malcolm Rivera
Constitution Day, or 'Día de la Constitución', is a public holiday in Spain, commemorating the country's transition to democracy. It is celebrated annually on December 6, marking the day in 1978 when 88% of the Spanish population voted in a referendum to approve a new constitution. This was a significant moment in Spain's history, following the lengthy dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and established the nation as a constitutional monarchy. The day is typically a quiet one, with most people spending time at home with family or friends, and many businesses and organisations closed. In the lead-up to Constitution Day, Spanish schools often hold special lessons on the country's history, politics and constitution, and an open session is held in the Palace of the Courts, where visitors receive a small commemorative gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 6th December |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Type of celebration | Quiet day off work, spent with family or friends |
| National holiday | Yes |
| Schools and businesses | Closed |
| Public transport | Reduced schedule |
| Official ceremonies | Yes, in Madrid |
| Protests | Yes, in recent years |
| History lessons in schools | Yes |
| Congress of Deputies | Holds an open session for the public in the Palace of the Courts |
| Gifts | Commemorative gifts are given to visitors |
| Flag | Widely displayed |
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What You'll Learn
Schools and businesses are closed
Constitution Day, or 'Día de la Constitución', is a public holiday in Spain. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Schools
In the days before Constitution Day, children and young people have extra lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain. Each year, 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. On Constitution Day itself, children may study the Constitution and some of its most important articles.
Businesses
Constitution Day is a quiet day for most people, who spend time at home relaxing with family members or close friends. Most businesses and other organizations are closed, including most stores. However, some bakers and food stores may be open, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours if the holiday falls on a Saturday. Public transport services generally run to a reduced schedule, although there may be no services in rural areas.
The day after Constitution Day, December 7, is also often taken as a holiday in Spain, as it falls just before the Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, which is a public holiday. This long weekend is known as "el puente", or "the bridge", and many people take this opportunity to go on holiday or visit family.
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People spend time with family and friends
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 Spanish people. This was a crucial step in Spain's transition to democracy, and the day is imbued with historical significance and national pride. It is a day off for most people, and they often spend it relaxing at home with family members or close friends.
The day is also seen as the start of the December holidays, with many people taking a long weekend or starting their holiday vacations. In recent years, Constitution Day has also become a popular day for protest marches and political statements. For example, some separatist Catalans use the day to show their anti-Spanish sentiments, while others who are pro-Spain will march as well.
In schools, children may study the Constitution and its most important articles in the days leading up to Constitution Day. Each year, 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. On Constitution Day, Spain's Congress opens its doors to the public, and visitors can explore the Palace of the Courts, one of the most emblematic buildings of the nineteenth century.
The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on private homes, public buildings, and even public transport vehicles on Constitution Day. This version of the flag, which consists of two horizontal red bands separated by a yellow band, was confirmed in the 1978 Constitution.
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The national flag is widely displayed
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 population. This was a crucial step in the country's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on this day, a symbol of the country's unity and commitment to democratic values. The flag, consisting of two horizontal red bands separated by a yellow band twice the width of the red bands, was confirmed in the constitution of 1978.
On Constitution Day, the Spanish flag is flown from private homes, public buildings, and even public transport vehicles. This show of patriotism and national pride is a testament to the country's embrace of democracy and freedom. The flag serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the day, honouring the principles of liberty, justice, equality, and political pluralism enshrined in the constitution.
In the days leading up to Constitution Day, children and young people participate in special lessons focused on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain. This educational aspect highlights the importance of instilling democratic values and civic knowledge in the younger generation. It ensures that they understand the significance of the day beyond the mere display of the national flag.
While there are no major events or celebrations associated with Constitution Day, the day is marked by quiet reflection and a sense of national unity. Most people spend the day at home, relaxing with family or close friends. Some may choose to visit Madrid, where official ceremonies and protests may cause some congestion in the city. The Congress of Deputies, one of the most emblematic buildings of the nineteenth century, holds an open session for the public, allowing visitors to explore the Palace of the Courts and learn more about Spain's democratic history.
The national flag of Spain is a powerful symbol of the country's identity and democratic ideals. On Constitution Day, the widespread display of the flag serves as a visual reminder of the country's unity and the hard-won freedoms that the constitution guarantees. It is a day when Spaniards reflect on their history, celebrate their progress, and reaffirm their commitment to the values that the flag represents.
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Congress opens its doors to the public
Constitution Day, or 'Día de la Constitución', is a public holiday in Spain, celebrated on December 6 each year. This date marks the anniversary of a referendum held in 1978, in which a new constitution was approved by 88% of the Spanish people. This was a crucial step in Spain's transition to democracy, following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The new constitution, which came into effect in 1978, set out how the government would be run, the powers they held, and the governmental system that Spain would operate on. It embodies the principles of liberty, justice, equality, and political pluralism.
On Constitution Day, Congress opens its doors to the public, and visitors can explore the Palace of the Courts, one of the most emblematic buildings of the nineteenth century. People can visit several rooms, and each visitor receives a small commemorative gift. There are also radio and television broadcasts throughout the day.
In the days leading up to Constitution Day, children and young people have extra lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain. 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 6.
Constitution Day is a quiet day, with most businesses and organisations closed. It is a day off for the general population, and many people spend time at home, relaxing with family or close friends. Some people may choose to start their holiday vacations during this long weekend, which often marks the start of the ski season in the Pyrenees. The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on private homes, public buildings, and even public transport vehicles on this day.
In recent years, Constitution Day has also become a popular day for protest marches and political statements, particularly in Catalunya, where some separatist Catalans use the day to show their anti-Spanish sentiments.
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Protests and political statements
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 voters. This was a crucial step in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The day is an opportunity for Spaniards to reflect on their country's transition to democracy and commitment to democratic values.
In recent years, Constitution Day has also become an occasion for protest marches and political statements. While many Spaniards spend the day quietly at home with family or friends, others take to the streets to express their political views.
In Catalunya, for example, where there is a strong separatist movement, some Catalans use Constitution Day as an opportunity to show their anti-Spanish sentiments through public protests. At the same time, pro-Spain groups also march to demonstrate their support for a united Spain.
Constitution Day has also been used to raise awareness about social and political issues. For example, in 2019, protesters marched in Madrid and other cities to demand that the government address the country's housing crisis. In recent years, the day has also seen demonstrations by far-right groups, which have sparked counter-protests by left-wing activists.
Constitution Day is a polarising event in Spain, reflecting the country's complex political landscape. While some Spaniards embrace the day as a celebration of their country's democracy, others use it as a platform to advocate for political change or to express their dissatisfaction with the current system.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day, or 'Día de la Constitución', marks the anniversary of a referendum held in Spain on December 6, 1978, in which a new constitution was approved by 88% of voters. This was a crucial step in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Spain, with schools and most businesses closed. It is a quiet day for most people, who spend time at home relaxing with family or friends. The national flag of Spain is widely displayed on homes, public buildings, and even on public transport. In the days leading up to Constitution Day, children and young people attend special lessons on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain.
December 6th, 1978, was the date that the Spanish people voted in a historic referendum to approve a new constitution, marking the end of a period of turmoil and the beginning of a new era of democracy and freedom. The Constitution of 1978 is a cornerstone of Spanish democracy, embodying the principles of liberty, justice, equality, and political pluralism.
On Constitution Day, Spain's Congress of Deputies holds an open session for the public in the Palace of the Courts, which is considered one of the most emblematic buildings of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the building, watch radio and television broadcasts, and receive a small commemorative gift.
As Constitution Day falls just two days before the Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, which is also a public holiday, many Spaniards take December 7th off work as well, creating a long weekend or "el puente" (the bridge) to mark the start of the December holidays.
