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On Monday, October 12, 2026, Spain will celebrate its National Day (Fiesta Nacional de España), also known as Día de la Hispanidad. Ceremonies, military events, concerts and public festivities will take place across the country. The main event will be the military parade in Madrid, while Valencia, Alicante and other cities will hold their own celebrations.
October 12 commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus’s expedition in the Americas in 1492. Today, the holiday highlights Spain’s history, culture and connections with Spanish-speaking countries. In 2026, it falls on a Monday, creating a three-day holiday weekend.
Madrid: Spain’s Main Military Parade
The country’s principal celebrations will take place in Madrid. At 11:00, the official ceremony will begin in the presence of King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, government representatives and the Spanish Armed Forces.
The programme will include military honours, the raising of the national flag, a tribute to fallen service members, an aerial display and a ground parade. Military aircraft and helicopters will fly over the capital, while military and security units will march through its central streets.
The parade will start at Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V, continue along Paseo del Prado, Plaza de Cibeles and Paseo de Recoletos, and finish at Plaza de Colón. The lowering of the flag is scheduled for 13:30, with the official events expected to end at approximately 15:00.
Traffic restrictions and large crowds are expected in central Madrid. Visitors are advised to use the metro and other public transport.
Madrid will also conclude its Hispanidad 2026 cultural programme, running from October 2 to 12. More than 200 free activities will include concerts, dance performances, theatre and international artists, with major venues at Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de España.
Valencia: Concert and Hispanidad Celebrations
In Valencia, one of the central events on October 12 will be a programme celebrating Día de la Hispanidad with representatives of different national communities and folklore groups.
An official ceremony and the Concert of Nations (Concierto de las Naciones) are planned for Plaza de la Reina. The events were originally scheduled for Plaza del Ayuntamiento but have been relocated.
The celebrations will follow the Valencian Community Day holiday on October 9, giving residents and visitors two public holidays within the same long weekend.
Alicante and Elche: Official Ceremonies and National Traditions
October 12 will also be a public holiday throughout Alicante province. The date coincides with the religious feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, patron saint of Spain’s Civil Guard (Guardia Civil).
One of the province’s notable events will take place in Elche. At 19:00, a ceremony will begin in Plaça de Baix, featuring the raising of the national flag by security forces and a tribute to officers who died in the line of duty.
The programme will also include readings about the cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world by community representatives, a speech by Elche mayor Pablo Ruz and the national anthem.
Torrevieja: Mass and a Waterfront Ceremony
In Torrevieja, celebrations will begin at 12:00 with a solemn Mass in honour of Our Lady of the Pillar at the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción).
After the service, a military ceremony will take place on Paseo Vista Alegre, featuring the raising of the Spanish flag and a tribute to the fallen. The events will honour both Spain’s National Day and the patron saint of the Civil Guard.
Zaragoza: Pilar Festival and the Flower Offering
Zaragoza will have an especially extensive programme, as October 12 is also the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, patron saint of the city and Aragon. The day will be a highlight of the Fiestas del Pilar, taking place from October 10 to 18.
The traditional Flower Offering (Ofrenda de Flores) will begin at 06:30. Thousands of participants in regional costumes will walk through the city towards Plaza del Pilar, where an enormous floral display will be assembled.
The day will also feature religious ceremonies, processions, children’s activities, theatre and concerts. Evening performances are scheduled by Ana Mena and Marina Reche, Camela and Teenage Fanclub.
What to Know About October 12
Spain’s National Day is a nationwide public holiday. Government offices, many banks and some shops will be closed, although tourist attractions, restaurants and certain retailers may operate on holiday schedules.
Visitors should expect road closures around Madrid’s parade route and substantial crowds in central Zaragoza. Temporary traffic restrictions may also apply around official events in other cities.
October 12 will offer residents and visitors an opportunity to experience Spain’s national traditions, attend ceremonies and enjoy cultural events across the country.
