On Sunday, 28 February, we celebrated our day! But why that day, what do we celebrate and how do we do it?
Let’s start at the beginning, what is our origin? The unique Andalusian culture is the result of a melting pot of cultures and civilizations that have inhabited our beautiful land: Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Muslims that have shaped and left us splendid monuments of incomparable beauty that we can still enjoy today.
What are we celebrating?
The day of the referendum on the initiative of the autonomic process in 1980, which gave us full autonomy within the Spanish nation. That day the majority of Andalusians voted in favour of the statute that made us an autonomous community of 8 provinces with the largest number of inhabitants in Spain.
It is a regional holiday so businesses can open or close and join the celebrations if they prefer. Depending on the day of the week on which the 28th falls, the holiday can move to Friday or Monday to extend the weekend and have more time so that the more than 8 million Andalusians who live here can enjoy our region.
How do we celebrate it?
In many towns and cities, the balconies are decorated with the Andalusian flag, the green and white colours of the flag appear in each house, establishment and town hall in the 8 provinces that make up the community. This is one of the simplest and most marked traditions among the many celebrations that make this long weekend so special.
Andalusian courtyards contests are held, flamenco and sevillanas shows and contests are organized and several generations participate in traditional games, thus promoting Andalusian art, culture and traditions.
The Medals of Andalusia are also awarded and the Favorite Son are named, the highest distinction granted by the Community to people who demonstrate exceptional merits for the work performed, their social, political or scientific actions that have resulted in the benefit of the region.
What can we do this day?
If your event or meeting takes place in Malaga, the most recommended option is to visit Casares, the birthplace of Blas Infante, a famous Malaga-born creator of the Andalusian flag, shield and anthem and one of the greatest lovers of our land.
Granada is always a recommended city to organize any event. Also, during these days, the Alhambra Palace offers free workshops on Nasrid craft techniques in the educational area of Casas de Mimbre.
Seville also organizes various crafts, drawing and theatre activities in the Parque del Alamillo, especially suitable for children to promote Andalusian traditions. Likewise, the Playmobil market remains open showing a multitude of figures that recreate different characters and scenes from Andalusian life.
And to complete this offer, many of the museums and archaeological sites are open and offer free admission. There is no excuse not to enjoy painting, sculpture and cultural wealth in all of Andalusia!
Are you thinking of coming to see some of the many architectural and cultural wonders that Andalusia has to offer but you don’t know which one to choose? Let us help you with this, there is no one better than Meridional Events to assist you in the organization of your next event or company meeting, combining culture, gastronomy and, of course, work.
