About Spain National Day (Fiesta Nacional)
Spain's National Day, the Fiesta Nacional de España, is celebrated every year on October 12. Also known as the Día de la Hispanidad, the date commemorates the day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus first reached the Americas, an event that shaped centuries of Spanish history and the spread of the Spanish language across the world. It is one of Spain's most important public holidays.
The centrepiece of the day is a grand military parade through the heart of Madrid, attended by the King and the royal family, the government and senior officials. Thousands of troops march down the Paseo de la Castellana, accompanied by a flypast of the Spanish Air Force that trails the red and yellow of the national flag across the sky. Across the country, the day is marked with ceremonies, flag displays and family celebrations.
Spain's National Day always falls on October 12, so the counter above counts down to the next one automatically. Whether you are following the parade, planning a celebration or marking the date for a trip, add Spain National Day to your own countdown page to track the days until the Fiesta Nacional.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Monday, October 12, 2026next |
| 2027 | Tuesday, October 12, 2027 |
| 2028 | Thursday, October 12, 2028 |
| 2029 | Friday, October 12, 2029 |
| 2030 | Saturday, October 12, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Spain's National Day?
Spain's National Day, the Fiesta Nacional de España, falls on October 12 every year. The countdown above shows the exact time until the next one.
Why is Spain's National Day on October 12?
The date marks October 12, 1492, when Christopher Columbus first reached the Americas — also commemorated as the Día de la Hispanidad.
How is Spain's National Day celebrated?
With a grand military parade through Madrid attended by the royal family, an Air Force flypast trailing the national colours, and ceremonies across the country.
Is October 12 a public holiday in Spain?
Yes — the Fiesta Nacional de España is a national public holiday observed throughout the country.