On October 12, 2024, Spain marked its National Day, also referred to as Hispanic Heritage Day (Día de la Hispanidad), commemorating 532 years since Christopher Columbus’s historic arrival in the Americas in 1492. The event celebrates not only Spain’s global influence but also the rich cultural tapestry shared by the Ibero-American world, where the Spanish language and heritage continue to thrive.
This year, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presided over the festivities in Madrid, where the city transformed into a hub of multicultural celebration. With Mexico as the special guest nation, the fourth edition of Hispanic Heritage Week took on a vibrant and colorful tone, reflecting this year’s theme, “All accents fit in Madrid”.
Historical Context of Spain’s National Day
The tradition of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Day dates back to 1892, under the reign of Queen Regent María Cristina, who issued a decree to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the “Discovery of America.” This initiative sought to honor Spain’s legacy in shaping the history and culture of the Americas. However, it was not until 1918 that King Alfonso XIII officially declared the date a national holiday. The holiday was renamed in 1987 as the National Day of Spain, reinforcing the significance of Spain’s shared cultural and historical legacy with the Hispanic world.
2024 Commemorative Events
The events on October 12, 2024, included a series of traditional and symbolic acts that captivated audiences both in Spain and abroad. Highlights of the celebration were:
- Flag-raising ceremony in honor of the fallen.
- A military review featuring the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- The military parade, one of the most iconic features of the day, stretched from Neptune Fountain (Plaza de Neptuno) through the heart of Madrid, including the Paseo del Prado and Colón Square. Units from all branches of Spain’s military, including vehicles and flyovers, were on full display.
This year’s parade was marked by the participation of Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, who appeared in her formal Navy uniform. Having returned from Marín, where she is currently undergoing military training, her presence symbolized the continuity of Spain’s royal tradition.
The Prime Minister and other key government officials attended alongside civil and military authorities, and representatives from Spain’s autonomous regions.
Cultural Celebrations and Mexico’s Role
In addition to the formal ceremonies, the Community of Madrid organized a week-long cultural program filled with exhibitions, concerts, and gastronomy. Mexico, as the guest country, took center stage, showcasing its cultural richness through art, music, and cuisine. This further emphasized the enduring bond between Spain and Latin America, and the deep mutual influences across centuries of shared history.
The activities provided a platform to celebrate Ibero-American diversity, fostering dialogue between Spain and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Americas.
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada respetada, licenciada en EE.UU. y España, con un doctorado en Ciencias Jurídicas y títulos de la Universidad de Granada, la Universidad de Arizona y la Florida International University. Con amplia experiencia en derecho internacional, inversiones, inmigración, derechos humanos, protección de la privacidad y lucha anticorrupción, ha asesorado a organizaciones y políticos hispanoamericanos. Ha escrito sobre seguridad nacional e inmigración, protección de datos, derecho constitucional, consumo financiero y derecho bancario en revistas internacionales y coescribió libros publicados en Perú y Colombia. Reconocida por su servicio comunitario, es considerada una de las mujeres más influyentes de Florida. Es experta en varios idiomas y participa frecuentemente en debates en canales como Univisión y Telemundo
María Herrera Mellado is a highly respected attorney, licensed to practice in both the U.S. and Spain. She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and has earned degrees from prestigious institutions, including the University of Granada, the University of Arizona, and Florida International University.With extensive expertise in business law, immigration, human rights, consumer protection, privacy protection, and anti-corruption, María has advised a wide range of organizations and Hispanic American politicians. She has published numerous articles on data protection and banking law in international legal journals and co-authored books on these topics, which have been published in Peru and Colombia. Known for her strong commitment to community service, María is recognized as one of the most influential women in Florida. Fluent in multiple languages, she frequently participates in high-profile debates on networks such as Univisión and Telemundo, where she shares her insights on key legal and social issues.