Spanish Constitution Day

When is it celebrated

Spanish Constitution Day is celebrated every year on 6 December. The date is fixed and remembers the referendum of 6 December 1978 in which the electorate ratified the draft Constitution. It should not be confused with 27 December, the day of its sanction by the king before the Cortes, nor with 29 December, the date of its publication and entry into force.

Is it a holiday or a working day?

It is a national, civic, paid and non-recoverable public holiday in Spain. Article 45 of Royal Decree 2001/1983 expressly includes 6 December among national holidays. Although the date does not change, it is advisable to consult each annual work calendar to check how the rest is organised when it falls on a Sunday and the provisions published for that year; The page does not assume a specific transfer.

Origin and geographical link

It is a civic commemoration specific to Spain and at the state level. Its origin is in the constituent process opened after the 1977 elections: Congress and Senate approved the project on 31 October 1978 and the citizens ratified it in a referendum on 6 December. Royal Decree 2964/1983 officially established that date as Constitution Day and established its commemoration by State institutions.

Regular events

The institutional programme varies each year. It usually includes a reception of the Cortes Generales in the Palace of Congress, interventions by the presidencies of the Chambers and solemn acts linked to the flag and the Armed Forces. Informative activities are also organised in educational centres and, in the near future, Congress open days that allow visitors to learn about parliamentary spaces and historical documents.

Usual duration of events

The central commemoration is normally concentrated on the morning of 6 December and lasts a few hours, but there is no single permanent schedule. Complementary activities can be extended to other days in December: for example, the open days of the Congress usually occupy one or two days and their date, time and access system are announced in each edition.

Traditions and history

The main tradition is institutional and informative, not religious. It evokes the popular approval of the 1978 Constitution, the culmination of a text prepared and debated by the Constituent Cortes. According to the historical documentation of Congress, the project obtained 87.87% of the valid votes cast in the referendum. Since 1983, national and territorial institutions must commemorate the day with public events; The regulation also provides for celebrations in the Armed Forces and in schools.

Among the consolidated customs is bringing Parliament closer to the citizens. Since 1997, the Congress has organised open days related to this anniversary, although they do not necessarily coincide exactly with the 6th. Therefore, specific visits, exhibitions or concerts must be checked in the official programme of each year.

Where is it celebrated

It is celebrated throughout Spain. The main institutional setting is the Palacio de las Cortes, on Carrera de San Jerónimo in Madrid, where the Congress and Senate hold the commemorative reception. There are also events promoted by other state institutions, autonomous communities, city councils, public delegations, units of the Armed Forces and educational centres in different parts of the country.

Who participates

The presidencies of the Congress and the Senate, members of the Government, State authorities, parliamentary representatives and invited members of civil society participate in the central event. Military units and Defence authorities intervene in flag events. The public and educational aspect expands participation to students, teachers, families and citizens who visit the chambers or follow the ceremonies through institutional channels.