Holiday!

After a month of work, school, and adventure, we are getting a sizable holiday (off til Wednesday).  I found out that two (maybe three) celebrations are responsible.  October 12th marks the day that Christopher Columbus discovered America. In the US, of course, we celebrate that day as Columbus Day (some as Indigenous People's Day).  Here in Spain, the day is similarly a celebration of the day that Columbus, funded by Spain, discovered America.  The day here is called "Festa Nacional d'Espanya", among other names.  I was also told by a co-worker that the day also commemorates the Virgin of El Pilar.  She is the patron virgin of Spain, and other Spanish territories (similar to the Lady of Guadalupe).   From the research I've done, it seems that Dia de la Hispanidad is a bigger celebration and there are parades all over the country.  Since I've been here I have already experienced two, now three big holidays.   It has been very exciting to learn more about the Spanish and Catalan cultures, and the differences and similarities between them.  The girls and I are off to Valencia this weekend for just one day. I wish we could stay longer but unfortunately we're on a tight budget.  Hopefully we'll be able to catch a parade on Monday or Tuesday when we return. I'll be sure to post pictures from the weekend!


Until then,


meg