Day of Asturias

The Day of Asturias, celebrated annually on September 8th in the autonomous community of Asturias, Spain, holds deep historical and cultural significance for the region. The date coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Covadonga, a religious figure deeply intertwined with Asturian identity and the beginning of the Spanish Reconquista.

The holiday commemorates the Battle of Covadonga in 722 CE, where Pelayo, the first King of Asturias, led a small band of Christians to victory against the Moors. This battle is considered the starting point of the Reconquista, the centuries-long campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. The shrine of Covadonga, nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains, remains a powerful symbol of Asturian resistance and identity.

Modern celebrations blend religious devotion with cultural pride. The day begins with a solemn Mass at the Sanctuary of Covadonga, followed by traditional music performances featuring the gaita (Asturian bagpipes) and folk dances. Throughout the region, streets come alive with parades, sporting events, and food festivals showcasing local specialties like fabada asturiana and sidra (traditional cider).

In recent years, the holiday has evolved to embrace both its historical roots and contemporary cultural expressions. Young Asturians particularly enjoy the evening concerts and festivities in cities like Oviedo and Gijón, while maintaining respect for the day's traditional aspects. The celebration has become a symbol of regional autonomy and cultural preservation in modern Spain.

What makes the Day of Asturias particularly interesting is its connection to similar celebrations across northern Spain, such as Galicia Day and Cantabria Day, all of which share Celtic influences and a strong emphasis on regional identity. The holiday also attracts tourists who come to experience the unique blend of religious devotion, historical commemoration, and modern festivity that characterizes Asturian culture.

The celebration serves as a reminder of Asturias's role as the last Christian stronghold during the Moorish occupation and its subsequent importance in Spanish history. Today, it represents not just a historical commemoration but a vibrant expression of Asturian pride and cultural continuity in the face of globalization.