Each year the 12th October is a Public Holiday in Spain to commemorate the day, in 1492, when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad) or National Day (Fiesta Nacional de España) is an annual national public holiday.

Patrulla Aguila - Spanish Flag

The holiday is generally marked by a military parade in Madrid’s Plaza de Colón attended by the Royal Family and important members of state, including the Government and the majority of the Presidents of Spain’s autonomous regions. There is also an aerobatics display performed by the Spanish Armed Forces.

For most people the Spanish National Day is a day off work and an opportunity to spend time quietly at home or in the company of family and friends. Many shops, banks and offices are closed on 12 October. Petrol stations stay open.

Since Spanish Day falls on a Friday this year, many families will be taking a long weekend break. Those in the city head for the beach and those at the beach head for the country.

The Drivalia team will however still be on hand to assist with your car rental requirements at Alicante Airport: we are open 365 days a year. Contact us now for your car rental.