December, 6th_Spanish Constitution Day
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) marks the anniversary of a referendum held in Spain on December 6th, 1978. In this referendum, a new constitution was approved . This was an important step in Spain's transition to becoming a constitutional monarchy and democracy.
A monument in Madrid to commemorate
the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
What do people do?
On the days before Constitution Day, children and young people have extra lessons on the history, politics and constitution of Spain. Each year, a selection of high school students are invited to read the Constitution in the Lower House of the parliamentary buildings in Madrid a few days before December 6. The parliamentary buildings are open to the general public for one or two days. A cocktail party is held in the parliamentary buildings on December 6. Constitution Day is a quiet day off work for most people. They spend time at home relaxing with family members or close friends.
Public life
Constitution Day is a national public holiday. Public life is generally very quiet and most businesses and other organizations are closed. Most stores are closed, although some bakers and food stores may be open. Public transport services generally run to a reduced schedule, although there may be no services in rural areas. Official ceremonies may cause some congestion in Madrid.
If December 6 falls on a Sunday, regional or local authorities can move the public holiday to a different date. If December 6 falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many businesses and organizations are also closed on Monday, December 5, or Friday, December 7.
GAMES
Jugar a la Carta Magna
Symbols
Physical representations of the Spanish Constitution are important symbols of Constitution Day. An original copy, signed by King Juan Carlos I, is in the building of the Spanish Congress of Deputies on the Carrera de San Jerónimo in Madrid.
The national flag of Spain consists of two horizontal red bands separated by a yellow band. The red bands are of equal width and the yellow band is twice as wide as each red band. This version of the flag was confirmed in the constitution of 1978.
La web del Senado Español cuenta con una sección para acercar la institución a los niños y jóvenes: El pequeño senado.
Incluye los siguientes apartados:
- El Senado:
- Historia y sistema político
- Un día en el Senado
- Senadores
- Cómo funciona
- Qué es y qué hace
- Vocabulario
- Irene y Dodó se cuelan en el Palacio del Senado con la música de Edvard Grieg (Peer Gynt) de fondo. Dibujos animados.
- Juegos:
- La Cámara territorial
- Toma buena nota
- ¿Cuánto sabes? para poner a prueba tus conocimientos sobre la institución.
- ¿Tú que opinas? Tu opinión cuenta para construir un senado mejor.
