Día de la Constitución (España), or Constitution Day is celebrated in Spain every year on December 6th, to commemorate the passing of Spains' Constitution on 6 December 1978.
The Spanish Constitution brought in a wave of democracy across the country of Spain three years after the death of the Dictator Francisco Franco. Following the death of Franco, Spain became a Parliamentary Monarchy with King Juan Carlos I, becoming sovereign head of state on 22 November 1975.
The Spanish Constitution was:
Passed by the Cortes Generales in Plenary Meetings of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate held on October 31, 1978
Ratified by the Spanish people in the referendum of December 6, 1978
Sanctioned by His Majesty the King before the Cortes on December 27, 1978
The 51 page Spanish Constitution lays the ground work for the freedom of the citizens and peoples of Spain. The Preamble makes clear that "The Spanish Nation, desiring to establish justice, liberty and security, and to promote the well-being of all its members," will:
Guarantee democratic co-existence...with a fair social and economic order
Ensures the rule of law as an expression of the popular will
Protect all Spaniards and peoples of Spain in the exercise of human rights
Promote the progress of culture and of the economy
Establish a democratic and advanced society
Strengthening of peaceful relations
The Constitution was ratified by popular vote on December 6, 1978. After decades of being under authoritarian rule under the Franco Regime, the Spanish people had voted for their freedom. This era brought in a new wave of democracy and economic prosperity for the Spanish People.
By Royal Decree on 30 November 1983, December the 6th was to be declared Constitution Day, a National Holiday to be celebrated and commemorated across the country. Constitution day was to be celebrated and remembered from that year forward on 6 December each year.
Part of the decree states that State Institutions, the Military and Schools are to observe the National Holiday. Therefore, today in Spain 6 December 2022, most operations are closed. Banks, libraries, schools, and government offices are all closed to observe Constitution day.
The Spanish people are very proud of their culture, history, language, and celebrations. If you get the chance to visit Spain, you will see a very proud yet humble people, both welcoming and elaborate. Long Live the King and Long Live the Constitution of Spain.
Being an American living in Spain, I can attest to their strong democracy around human rights, and freedoms for the people. Spain continues to uphold its dedication to the Constitution and helping all within its country. Notwithstanding, like any country there are things that could be better and issues the government faces daily. But I will say, living in this country is amazing. I love the Spanish people, the culture and the country.
If you are planning a trip to Spain and would like more information please feel free to comment on one of my YouTube videos. I check comments and questions on YouTube every day and that is the best place to interact with me. I have a wealth of information and knowledge about moving to Spain, travel to Spain, living here, and also information about living at the border with Gibraltar.
*Facts and data were pulled from the following resources, however, in this article I have also expressed my opinion of my experiences here.
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