Equatorial Guinea Independence Day
This day commemorates when Equatorial Guinea marked independence from Spain in 1968. The Portuguese first colonised one of the islands Bioko in 1471, but ceded its control to Spain in 1778 under the Treaty of El Pardo. In 1900 it became a colony called Spanish Guinea, it was split into two provinces in 1959, and then both were joined in 1963 to become Equatorial Guinea. Under pressure from the United Nations, Spain announced that it would grant independence in 1968.
Fiesta Nacional de Espana
This day commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ first arrival in the Americas. This day is celebrated widely throughout the Americas , known as Columbus Day in the US (see below) and as Dia de la Raza in various Hispanic American countries. Celebration of the anniversary in Spain dates to 1935, when the first festival was held in Madrid. The day was known as Dia de la Hispanidad (Day of Hisapnicity) to mark Spain’s connection to the international Hispanic community. On 27th November 1981 a royal decree established it as a national holiday. However on 7th October 1987 the name was changed to Fiesta Nacional. The name change had the effect of removing all reference to Spain’s historical colonialism, and even its ties to Latin America. Since 2000, it is celebrated with a military parade usually held in Madrid with the Spanish King, head of state and the Prime Minister of Spain in attendance.
Holidays & Special Events 