Thursday 6 December 2012

Constitution Day......... National Holiday



Thursday, 6 December 2012


Día de la Constitución  
                                                                                 
  Constitution Day marks the anniversary of a referendum held in Spain on December 6, 1978.
 In this referendum, the people of Spain approved the new constitution. This was an important step in Spain's transition to becoming a constitutional monarchy and democracy.


A monument in Madrid to commemorate the Spanish Constitution of 1978.

 On the days before Constitution Day, children and young people have extra lessons on the history, politics and constitution of Spain.    
                            
 Each year, a selection of high school students are invited to read the Constitution in the Lower House of the parliamentary buildings in Madrid a few days before December 6. 
                         
 The parliamentary buildings are open to the general public for one or two days. 
A cocktail party is held in the parliamentary buildings on December 6. 
Constitution Day is a quiet day off work for most people. They spend time at home relaxing with family members or close friends.

Symbols
Physical representations of the Spanish Constitution are important symbols of Constitution Day. 
An original copy of the Constitution, signed by King Juan Carlos I, is in the building of the Spanish Congress of Deputies on the Carrera de San Jerónimo in Madrid.



 

The national flag  
....... is widely displayed on private homes, public buildings and even public transport vehicles on Constitution Day. It may be displayed alone or together with the European and regional flags.


 
 











Background   

Francisco Franco was head of state in Spain from April 1, 1939, until November 20, 1975. 
Spain needed a new constitution and political system after his death.
 General elections were held on June 15, 1977. 
The newly formed parliament started drew up a new constitution.  The Spanish Constitution of 1978 was approved by 88 percent of the people of Spain in a referendum on December 6, 1978.