Andalusia Day marks the anniversary of the 1980 autonomy referendum, when Andalusians voted for their region to become an autonomous community within Spain.

When is Andalusia Day?

Andalusia Day is celebrated on February 28, 2024 each year.

The following is the list of Andalusia Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Andalusia Day?

After the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, Spain began its transition to democracy. The 1978 Spanish Constitution recognized the right of the country's regions and nationalities to self-government within a unified state. This opened the path for regions like Andalusia, with its strong cultural identity, to pursue autonomy.

Andalusia had long sought recognition as a "historical nationality", with its own distinct traditions, language traits, and social conditions. Andalusians, however, were not initially granted the same fast-track autonomy process as regions like Catalonia or the Basque Country, which caused frustration.

Massive demonstrations took place on 4 December 1977, with millions of people across Andalusia demanding autonomy. Tragically, in Málaga, a young man named Manuel José García Caparrós was killed during the protests, becoming a symbol of the movement.

On February 28, 1980, Andalusia held a referendum on autonomy. Voters were asked whether Andalusia should become an autonomous community under Article 151 of the Constitution, which allowed the highest level of self-government. A majority of Andalusians voted "Yes" to autonomy, though turnout varied by province.

The Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia was formally approved in 1981, granting the region broad powers over education, health, culture, agriculture, and infrastructure.

To commemorate this milestone, February 28 was declared Andalusia Day, marking the date of the referendum that changed the region's status. It became a public holiday to honor the people's democratic choice and Andalusia's cultural and political identity.