THE DAY OF ANDALUSIA
The Día de Andalucía ("Day of Andalusia" or "Andalusia Day") is celebrated on February 28 and commemorates the February 28, 1980 referendum on the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia, in which the Andalusian electorate voted for the statute that made Andalusia an autonomous community of Spain.
In many municipalities and cities of Andalusia, people decorate their balconies with the flag of Andalusia and with bunting
echoing its green-and-white bars. Cultural competitions are often held
in conjunction with the day. In some cities, especially in the Malaga area, schools are closed for a Semana Cultural ("cultural week"), also known as Semana Blanca ("white week").
The Friday before is often a day of celebration in schools with a traditional Andalusian breakfast (desayuno andaluz),
consisting of a slice of toast with a thin layer of olive oil and
orange juice; students color pictures that refer to the symbols and
insignia of Andalusia, its history and customs, put on plays and sing
the regional anthem, the Himno de Andalucía.
