Asturias Day in Spain

When did the Asturias Day in Spain start?

The first recorded date of Asturias Day in Spain being celebrated on September 8 was in the year 1979.

About Asturias Day in Spain Holiday

Asturias is a picturesque region of northern Spain, with a culture and tradition that reaches back to the medieval age. Situated between the Cantabrian Sea and the mountains of Picos de Europa, Asturias enjoys a rich and unique identity.

September 8th marks the celebratory day known as Asturias Day, a day when the locals come together to pay homage to their homeland. Music, dance and drinks echo across the rolling hills and echo long into the night. The regional capital, Oviedo, is ablaze with life as locals don colorful traditional dress and march in spectacular parades. Food stalls line the streets, offering tantalizing cuisine from the region’s traditional dishes to the modern fusion that has become so popular in recent years.

The true spirit of Asturias Day, however, lies in the people’s enthusiasm for their culture and heritage. This is a day of pride and celebration, where the people come together to honour their land and the people that make it special. Asturias Day is a reminder of the beauty of Asturias and its rich customs, and is an opportunity to experience its unique local flair.

Asturias Day, Spain – September 8

Asturias Day, is a regional holiday in the autonomous community of Asturias, Spain. The holiday commemorates 8 September 1808, the day Asturias began its struggle against the Napoleonic Invasion of Spain. Asturias Day is celebrated on the 8 September every year and is an official holidays in Asturias.

History and Origin

The Asturian region of Spain has a long and proud history, that includes Asturias playing a key role in resisting the Napoleonic Invasion of Spain of 1808. On 8 September 1808, Asturias declared itself an independent state, thus beginning the Asturian resistance and the Asturias War of Independence. This declaration established the armed resistance against Napoleonic forces and was a major embarrassment to the French invader. This event has gone down in history as “The Glorious Day of Asturias” and to commemorate the resistance and the victory over Napoleon this date was declared as the regional holiday, Asturias Day, a public holiday since 1922 to celebrate this historic event.

Significance and Meaning

Asturias Day is an incredibly important day for the people of Asturias and celebrates the unbreakable spirit of the Asturian people in their fight against oppression and for freedom. General Francisco Garcias Carrasco, leader of the Asturian resistance, has become a local hero for his brave leadership and on this day people pay tribute to him and the people of Asturias who have suffered and resisted the French invasion.

Traditions and Celebrations

As Asturias Day is a public holiday, many festivities are organized each year to celebrate the day. The main celebrations take place in the capital of Asturias, Oviedo, with the central square hosting gatherings and civic parades and parties. The celebrations usually involve live music, fireworks and folk dancers in traditional garb. Colorful banners, flags and signs display the date “8*9” (8 September) to remind everyone of the Day. Large parades take place across the region, with the town mayors usually taking part and speeches in praise of the Asturian heroes of 1808 being given.

Geographical Spread

Asturias Day is celebrated in the autonomous community of Asturias which is located in Northern Spain. This region is known for its beautiful mountains, green meadows and stunning beaches. Asturias is often described as “Green Spain” and is popular with both locals and tourists alike. As mentioned above, the main celebrations take place in the capital of Asturias —Oviedo— but other regions and towns also celebrate the holiday, such as Salas, Cangas de Onis and Grado.

Modern Day Observations

Asturias Day is an official holiday in Asturias, with both public institutions and private companies closing for the day. During the celebration, special meals are prepared in honor of the heroes of 1808 and the Asturian people. There are also several events and activities organized throughout the day, such as concerts, parades and processions.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

The Flag day of Asturias (Día de la Bandera de Asturias) is also celebrated on 8 September, the same day as Asturias Day. On this day, the official flag of Asturias is hoisted and the anthem of the region is played to honor the heroes of the resistance.

Asturias is home to the famous Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that dates back to the 9th century. In Asturias, it is known as “El Camino de la Costa”, and it is a pilgrimage route that many people take in modern day to pay tribute to the heroic Asturians.

Asturias is not only known for its resistance, it is also known for its famous cider houses, known as sidrerías. On this day, many of these sidrerías, host traditional cider tastings where visitors can try the traditional cider of Asturias.

Conclusion

Asturias Day is an important regional holiday in Asturias, celebrated to commemorate 8 September 1808, the day Asturias began its struggle against the Napoleonic Invasion of Spain. The holiday is celebrated with traditional festivities and events to pay tribute to the heroic Asturians who fought for freedom. This day is an important reminder of the courage and resilience of the Asturian people and is celebrated throughout the autonomous community with parades, concerts and traditional meals. Asturias Day is also celebrated on the same day as the Flag Day of Asturias, when the flag is hoisted and the anthem of the region is played. During modern-day celebrations, ancient pilgrimage routes are followed and visitors can try the famous cider of Asturias.

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