Andalusia Regional Holiday

Andalusia, the southernmost region of mainland Spain, has its own special holiday known simply as Andalusia Regional Holiday. The holiday is observed each year on 28 February. In 2027, Andalusia Regional Holiday falls on Monday 1 March. The holiday will be on Monday 28 February in 2028. The reason for the 28 February date is that it commemorates the passing of a 1980 referendum that led to Andalusia gaining “autonomous region” status within Spain. This gives a degree of increased local autonomy but not independence. It also is a symbolic recognition of the people, culture, and unique history of Andalusia. If Andalusia Regional Holiday falls on a weekend, many businesses and people will observe the following Monday as a day off in order to create a three-day weekend. Seville, the largest city in Andalusia, is the centre of activity during this holiday. There are many cultural events, including competitions, and everyone flies the green and white flag of Andalusia. Andalusia has a rich cultural heritage and culture. For example, it was the centre of Moorish Spain for centuries. It is also the place from which Columbus sailed to America in 1492. Over eight million people now inhabit the region, and many take as much pride in being Andalusian and in being Spanish.