It is 45 years since 28 February 1980 when in a referendum the andaluces voted overwhelmingly for their region to become one of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions (federal states), following Spain’s return to democracy on the death of the dictator General Franco five years earlier.
Bandera andaluza [courtesy of saedyn]
Friday 28 February 2025
Today is a día festivo in Andalucía, a holiday of obligation. Everywhere is closed, except for bars and restaurants, bakers, newsagents and, of course, churches, so that all good Roman Catholics may go to Mass.
Bad weather, including warnings of heavy rain and thunderstorms, was forecast and, sure enough, as I write this, I can hear the heavy downpour and prolonged thunderclaps outside.
Sadly, the bad weather will curtail some of the outdoor celebrations. Never mind, the andaluces will still enjoy the extra-long weekend, by celebrating with family and friends.
Bad weather [Posters.es]
And the "guiris"?
Many of us foreigners who are resident here will also use the excuse to celebrate this important day in the political and cultural history of the region.
As for me and the Meter Maid, we’re heading off on foot to the nearest restaurant to our home, the excellent La Cascada at the Hotel Molino del Puente, just outside Ronda.
No driving anywhere today – the local guardia civil will be out in force hoping to catch drink-drivers.
The terrace at La Cascada [Photo: Ian Love]
Further reading:
FORGOTTEN ANNIVERSARY: Spain's General Franco died 45 years ago
Andalucía Day (Día de Andalucía) - Secret Serrania de Ronda - 2021
Día de Andalucía – Monday 28 February 2022
My Andalucia Day - a personal serendipity – 2023
Back to the “Bridge” – St George’s Day
Por qué se celebra el 28-F el día de Andalucía Franco lies in state [Daily Mail]
What is a guiri? - Olive Press News Spain The OP has a paywall so you may not get to read the article. Try here instead for a similar article:
What is a guiri? It's what the Spanish call us foreigners - but is it good or bad?
© The History Man
Photos:
Daily Mail, Ian Love, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, Posters.es, saedyn,
Acknowledgements:
Eye on Spain, Ian Love, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, RTVE, Secret Serranía, The Olive Press
Tags:
17 autonomous regions, 28 February 1980, andaluces, Andalucía, bad weather, celebrating with family and friends, Daily Mail, death of the dictator General Franco, democracy, día festivo, drink-drivers, extra-long weekend, Eye on Spain, foreigners, guardia civil, guiri, heavy downpour, heavy rain, holiday of obligation, Hotel Molino del Puente, Ian Love, Karl Smallman, La Cascada, Mass, Meter Maid, outdoor celebrations, Paul Whitelock, political and cultural history of the region, RTVE, referendum, resident, Roman Catholics, Ronda, saedyn, Secret Serranía, The History Man, The Olive Press, thunderclaps, thunderstorms,
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