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Spain’s National Day, commemorated on October 12th of every year, is a joyous event celebrating the emergence of a worldwide Spanish culture as well as the unification of Spain itself. Highlighted by a massive parade through Madrid, Día de la Hispanidad is eagerly anticipated by millions of people.
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus completed his voyage from Spain to the Americas. Landing on Hispaniola, Columbus began years of the spread of Spanish culture throughout the world. This emergence of more than 350 million people who share the Spanish language marks Spain’s contribution to the settlement of the New World.
As Spain’s national holiday, all of Spain comes to a standstill on Día de la Hispanidad. All public offices, banks, many shops, and other businesses are closed to allow people to celebrate their nation. This catches many tourists off-guard, as it differs from how other countries typically celebrate their national holidays.
 The main event of Día de la Hispanidad is a parade through the center of Madrid. The streets of Madrid are decorated with national flags and lined with thousands of people eager to see the festive display.
Members of the Spanish royal family, as well as many prominent military and government officials, attend the parade as well. Bands and dancers from every region of Spain accompany marching military, governmental, and business personnel.
Throughout Spain, each region also celebrates Día de la Hispanidad in its own way. There are abundant fireworks, local foods and wines, and traditional music and dancing. Some regions also combine Día de la Hispanidad with local festivals and other celebrations.
Food and wine a huge part of Spanish festivals, and Día de la Hispanidad is no exception. Many people prefer to have large offerings of tapas, which are very similar to appetizers or hors d’ouevres. Many people offer a variety of tapas, ranging from simple olives and nuts to cold cuts and breads. These allow for partiers to graze through
many different foods as they continue to celebrate and participate in merrymaking.
Wine is beloved as an accompaniment to tapas, as it brings about a mellow nature and increases the drinker’s strength. Different regions prefer different wines, and different times of the year merit changes as well. However, by the time Día de la Hispanidad comes around, most regions are cool enough to warrant a strong, full-bodied wine such as txakoli in the Basque Country and Rioja in Castile.
A modern addition to the tapeo (course of tapas) is that of chocolates. Spain is known for chocolates
filled with the best Mediterranean fruits and nuts. A tray with a assortment of chocolates often sits at the end of the tapas table.
Valor’s Flamenco Gift Package contains many of the chocolates that might sit on a tapas table.
When Día de la Hispanidad comes around this October 12th, why not try creating your own tapas table and celebrating Día de la Hispanidad with your family and friends! After all, with a trip to the grocery store, your favorite confection shop, and some quick preparations, you too can have a fiesta fit for Madrid.
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