February 28th, Day of Andalusia

Next Wednesday, February 28, is a very special date for the entire Andalusian population, because... indeed, Andalusia Day is celebrated! So don't be surprised if you see many green and white flags waving on the street and on balconies.

To understand why we celebrate this day, we have to go back a little in time. Keep in mind that, during the Franco dictatorship, Andalusia was not formed as it is today; So, after the death of the dictator, specifically on December 4, 1977, there was a very important historic fact. Approximately two million people took to the streets for the first time to demand a Statute of Autonomy (that is, for Andalusia to be configured as a state with its own policies). Some time later, on February 28, 1980, the Autonomous Referendum took place, where the process for Andalusian autonomy began.

So, in this post, we would like to introduce you to some curiosities and traditions of this day.

In schools and high schools (and at home, we are not going to lie) it is tradition to eat bread with olive oil, which is practically a sacred act; Keep in mind that in Andalusia there are around two million olive trees.

It is also very common to listen to the anthem, whose lyrics go like this:

The white and green flag

returns, after centuries of war,

to bring peace and hope,

under the sun of our land.

Andalusians, rise!

Claim the land and the freedom!

Let Andalusia be free,

Spain and Humanity!

We Andalusians want

go back to what we were

men of light, that to men,

We gave them the soul of men.

Andalusians, rise!

Claim the land and the freedom!

Let Andalusia be free,

Spain and Humanity!

Of course, our beloved regional television channel, Canal Sur, cannot be missing. You can enjoy a variety of programs with special broadcasts and, if you are fans of cartoons, we recommend a childhood series that we love: Bandolero, which aired for the first time on February 28, 2002. It can be found online and the truth is that we can't think of a better way to enjoy this day.