El February 28 (28F) is the Andalucia's day and a date of great significance that marks the commemoration of the historic 1980 referendum that granted full autonomy to our community.
This day symbolizes not only regional identity and pride, but also a tribute to the autonomist demonstrations of December 4, 1977, fundamental milestones on the path to autonomy.
How Andalusia Day is celebrated
In the towns and cities of Andalusia, it is customary to decorate balconies and windows with the flag of Andalusia on their bars and hooks. They are also celebrated Andalusian patio competitions and in schools and institutes they sing and play to the sounds of flute the anthem of Andalusia. Schools and study centers prepare in advance for February 28, scheduling activities to commemorate this special day that is a holiday in all Andalusian towns. It is a tradition to eat bread with olive oil and sugar in towns and cities and especially in schools.
Andalusia Day Activities 2024
List of activities in alphabetical order, in some municipalities of the Andalusian Community on the occasion of Andalusia Day 2024:
- atarfe (Grenade). Spanish-Portuguese rejones celebration for Andalusia Day in Atarfe.
- Dos Hermanas. Andalusia Day concert by the Musiziergemeinschatft Orchestra of the Mozarteum of Salzburg. February 23 at 21:00 p.m.
- Córdoba. The Córdoba Orchestra performs the Extraordinary Andalusia Day Concert at the Great Theater of Córdoba on Thursday, February 29.
- Écija (Seville). The bullring in the Sevillian town of Écija will inaugurate its season by scheduling a bullfighting festival next Wednesday, February 28, Andalusia Day, starting at 16 p.m.
- The Burgo (Malaga). Festival dedicated to the soup of the seven branches.
- Granada. This is how she sings and dances Granada on the day of Andalusia. February 27 20:30 p.m. La Chumbera Municipal Auditorium, Sacromonte.
- Los Barrios (Cadiz). Los Barrios will host the XI Andalusian Cultural Days from February 3 to 28 with a program full of activities, the central event of which will be celebrated on Andalusia Day with the presentation of awards to residents, entities and groups of the municipality at the Hotel Montera.
- Andalusia House of Menorca (Balearic Islands). On February 28, the Teatro Principal's winter programming will close with dance, color and music.
The event will feature performances by the Casa de Andalucía Ball School (directed by Laia Costa, in collaboration with Dolores Herrada), with interventions accompanied by different guest artists. In addition, the XVI Poetry and Prose Contest will also be held, and there will be special mentions during the evening; and, to finish it, will come one of the most outstanding moments of the night: the delivery of the Andalusian of the Year award.
Popular races on the occasion of Andalusia Day: Chipiona (Cadiz), Fair (Cádiz), VIII Carchuna Race Calahonda (Granada), XXXI Andalusia Day Race in Archidona (Malaga).
The anthem of Andalusia
El Andalusian anthem is a musical composition whose lyrics were written by Blas Infante, considered the father of the Andalusian homeland, in 1933 and which was made official in 1982. It was published in a diptych by the Liberalist Junta of Andalusia in 1933, with the lyrics and score of the anthem.
The melody is from the hymn Holy God, which was sung by the children in the Andalusian Pious Schools and by the day laborers of cantillana, Alosno (in Huelva, where Infante wrote it down) and the Guadalquivir basin. Blas Infante wrote the lyrics in January 1933. José Castillo y Díaz provided a transcription for voice and piano and another for band.
In 1933 the Liberalist Junta of Andalusia published a diptych with the lyrics and score of the anthem and it was performed by the Municipal Band of Seville, under the direction of José Castillo, in a concert held in the Alameda de Hércules on July 10, 1936. .
Anthem of Andalusia performed on February 28, 2023 by David Bisbal, closing the Andalusian Medals ceremony at the Teatro de la Maestranza, with a particular and melodic style.
Lyrics of the anthem of Andalusia
The white and green flag
returns, after centuries of war,
to say peace and hope,
under the sun of our land.
Andalusians, rise!
Ask for land and 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!
Ask for land and freedom!
Let Andalusia be free,
Spain and Humanity!
Flag Day of Andalusia
In 2022, a new dimension was added to these celebrations with the institution of the Flag Day of Andalusia, on December 4, further reinforcing the feeling of belonging and cultural identity of the Andalusians. Andalusia Day has become a day of reflection, celebration and affirmation of the Andalusian identity within the cultural and political mosaic of Spain.
During Andalusia Day, it is common for balconies and public spaces in towns and cities to be dressed in the colors of the Andalusian flag. Cultural activities, such as concerts, art exhibitions and folklore events, fill the streets, and public institutions and some businesses usually close on this date. Schools and institutes play a crucial role, organizing educational and cultural activities, where the anthem of Andalusia and the taste of bread with olive oil and sugar are protagonists.
The educational events focus on teaching students about the history and culture of Andalusia. The Antequerano muffin is tasted with oil and sugar, and students are invited to wear typical Andalusian costumes, such as the flamenco dress and the Andalusian short dress, reflecting the cultural richness of the autonomous community.
Delivery of the Medals of Andalusia
The celebration also includes official recognitions, such as the delivery of the Medals of Andalusia by the regional government and the designation of favorite children of Andalusia, exemplified in 2014 with the recognition of Miguel Rios. The raising of the flag in the Parliament of Andalusia It is an emblematic moment, symbolizing the autonomy and unity of the community.
Therefore, February 28, Andalusian Day, is an expression of the diversity and cultural richness of Andalusia, a day to actively participate, celebrate Andalusian gastronomy, and remember the importance of autonomy and Andalusian identity. This day represents an opportunity for citizens to express their sense of belonging and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Honorary distinctions of Andalusia
The system of honorary distinctions in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, established by Decree 602/2019 of December 3, recognizes individuals, legal entities, groups or entities that have contributed exceptionally to the benefit of Andalusia. These distinctions include the title of Favorite Son of Andalusia, the Medal of Andalusia and the Flag of Andalusia, each with specific categories and criteria.
The title of Favorite Son of Andalusia is the highest distinction of the Junta de Andalucía, awarded to people for their achievements in areas such as culture, science, social, politics or economy, which have had a significant impact on the region. On the other hand, the Medal of Andalusia recognizes exceptional contributions in different categories, such as Social Sciences and Literature, Arts, Sports, among others. The Manuel Clavero Arévalo Medal of Andalusia is a special category to recognize outstanding careers in the defense and promotion of Andalusia.
In addition, the honorary distinction Flag of Andalusia, awarded at the provincial level, recognizes exceptional merits carried out for the benefit of each province of Andalusia, also in various categories.
The Junta de Andalucía maintains a registry called the Book of Honor of Andalusia, where distinguished people or entities are registered. This book is divided into three sections: Favorite Son, Medal of Andalusia and Flag of Andalusia, and details relevant information about each distinction awarded.
As for the background, the title of Favorite Son was created in 1983 to publicly recognize exceptional merits in relation to Andalusia. The Medals of Andalusia, established in 1985, initially had Gold and Silver categories, with an annual limit of medals. However, this limit was later eliminated and, in 1998, it was consolidated into a single category, the Medal of Andalusia, with a maximum limit of ten annual awards.
These distinctions, which are awarded annually, reflect the rich diversity and exceptional commitment of individuals and entities towards the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
Favorite sons of Andalusia
Since 1983, Andalusia has appointed several notable individuals as Favorite Children, recognizing their exceptional contributions in different fields. This distinction has been awarded annually, except in 1986 and 1997, when no title was awarded.
Some of those named over the years include writers such as Rafael Alberti Merello, Vicente Aleixandre and Jorge Guillén Álvarez (1983), politicians and artists such as Antonio Banderas (2013) and musicians such as Alejandro Sanz and Manuel Alejandro (2022). In 2023, Lola Flores (posthumously) and David Bisbal were the winners.
The complete list of the Favorite Sons of Andalusia from 1983 to the present day includes personalities from various disciplines, reflecting the rich cultural and professional diversity of Andalusia.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Complete list of the Favorite Sons of Andalusia:
| Year | Human | Profession | Town \ Province | Decree |
| 1983 | Antonio Cruz García 'Antonio Mairena' (Posthumously) | cantaor | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1983 | Rafael Alberti Merello | Writer | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 1983 | Vicente Aleixandre Merlo | Writer | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1983 | Jorge Guillén Álvarez | Writer | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 1983 | Andres Segovia | Guitar player | Jaén | BOJA Decree |
| 1983 | Ramon Carande and Thovar | Historian and economist | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1984 | Juan Álvarez Ossorio y Barrau | Andalusian politician | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1985 | Rafael Escudero Rodríguez | Lawyer and politician | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1985 | María Zambrano Alarcón | Writer | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 1985 | Antonio Gala Velasco | Writer | Córdoba | BOJA Decree |
| 1985 | Carlos Castilla del Pino | Psychiatrist | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 1985 | Antonio Dominguez Ortiz | Historian | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1986 | No titles of 'Favorite Sons of Andalusia' were awarded. | |||
| 1987 | Manuel Andujar Muñoz | Writer | Jaén | BOJA Decree |
| 1987 | Juan de Mata Carriazo | Historian and archaeologist | Jaén | BOJA Decree |
| 1987 | José Antonio Valverde Gómez | Biologist | Huelva | BOJA Decree |
| 1988 | Emilio García Gómez | Historian and Arabist | Jaén | BOJA Decree |
| 1988 | José Manuel Rodríguez Delgado | Neurophysiological doctor | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 1988 | Pablo García Baena | Poet | Córdoba | BOJA Decree |
| 1988 | Manuel Castillo Navarro | Composer and pianist | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1988 | Manuel Rivera Hernandez | Painter | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 1989 | Rafael Montesinos Martínez | Poet | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1989 | José Caballero Muñoz – Caballero | Painter | Huelva | BOJA Decree |
| 1989 | Luis Rosales-Camacho | Poet | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 1990 | Javier Benjumea Puigcerver | Businessman | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1990 | Dolores Jiménez Alcántara, 'Girl from Puebla' | Singer | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1990 | Francisco Ayala and García Duarte | Essayist | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 1991 | José Rodríguez de la Borbolla y Camoyán | Lawyer and politician | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1991 | Emilio Lemos Ortega (Posthumously) | Andalusian politician | Córdoba | BOJA Decree |
| 1992 | José Antonio Muñoz Rojas | Poet | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 1993 | Manuel Losada Villasante | Scientist | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1994 | María de las Mercedes de Borbón y Orleans | Infanta of Spain and Princess of the Two Sicilies | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1995 | Miguel Rodríguez – Piñero Bravo – Ferrer | President of the Constitutional Court | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1996 | José Manuel Caballero Bonald | Poet and essayist | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 1997 | No titles of 'Favorite Sons of Andalusia' were awarded. | |||
| 1998 | Felipe González Marquez | Lawyer and politician, former president of the Government | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 1999 | Manuel Clavero Arevalo | Lawyer and politician | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2000 | Carlos Amigo Vallejo | Cardinal and Archbishop Emeritus of Seville | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2001 | Pedro Cruz Villalón | President of the Constitutional Court | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2001 | José Carlos Cano Fernández, 'Carlos Cano' (Posthumously) | Songwriter | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2002 | Manuel Jiménez de Parga y Cabrera | President of the Constitutional Court | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2003 | Christine Ruiz-Picasso | Honorary President of the Picasso Museum Foundation of Malaga. Bequest Paul, Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. |
Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 2003 | Emilio Lledó Iñigo | Philosopher and philologist | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2004 | Leopoldo Urrutia de Luis | Poet | Córdoba | BOJA Decree |
| 2004 | Francisco Marquez Villanueva | Harvard University Professor | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2005 | María Victoria Atencia García | Poetess | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 2005 | Julia Uceda Valiente | Poetess | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2006 | Carlos Edmundo de Ory and Dominguez de Alcahúd | Poet | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 2006 | María del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva | Duchess of Alba | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2007 | Jose Saramago | Writer | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2008 | Federico Mayor Zaragoza | Former Director General of UNESCO | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2009 | Juan Antonio Carrillo Salcedo | Expert in International Law | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2010 | Francisca Diaz Torres | Businesswoman | Almería | BOJA Decree |
| 2010 | Augusto Méndez de Lugo and López de Ayala | Magistrate, former president of the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2011 | Juana Domínguez Manso, Juana de Aizpuru | Gallery owner | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2011 | Alfonso Guerra González | Political | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2012 | Luis Rodriguez Gordillo | Painter | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2012 | Josefina Molina Reig | Filmmaker | Córdoba | BOJA Decree |
| 2013 | Manuel José García Caparrós (Posthumously) | Syndicalist | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 2013 | Carmen Laffón de la Escosura | Painter and sculptor | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2013 | José Antonio Domínguez Banderas, 'Antonio Banderas' | Actor | Málaga | BOJA Decree |
| 2014 | Miguel Ríos Campaign | Singer | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2015 | Alberto Rodríguez Librero | Filmmaker | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2016 | Joaquín Ramón Martínez Sabina | Composer and singer | Jaén | BOJA Decree |
| 2016 | Angel Salvatierra Velázquez | Doctor and surgeon | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 2017 | Maria galiana | Actress | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2017 | Luis Garcia Montero | Poet and critic | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2018 | José Luis Gómez García | Actor and theater director | Huelva | BOJA Decree |
| 2018 | Guillermo Antiñolo Gil | Physician, university professor and researcher | Granada | BOJA Decree |
| 2019 | Francisco Martínez-Cosentino Justo | Businessman and entrepreneur | Almería | BOJA Decree |
| 2019 | José Luis García Palacios (Posthumously) | Businessman, reference in the Andalusian agricultural world and architect of the current Caja Rural del Sur | Huelva | BOJA Decree |
| 2020 | Francisco Romero López, Curro Romero | Bullfighter | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2020 | Antonio Burgos Belinchón | Journalist and writer | Sevilla | BOJA Decree |
| 2021 | Rafael Martos Sánchez 'Raphael' | Singer and actor | Jaén | BOJA Decree |
| 2022 | Alejandro Sánchez Pizarro, 'Alejandro Sanz' | Singer | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 2022 | Manuel Álvarez-Beigbeder Pérez, 'Manuel Alejandro' | Composer, arranger, producer and singer | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 2023 | Dolores Flores Ruiz, 'Lola Flores' | Artist | Cadiz | BOJA Decree |
| 2023 | David Bisbal Ferre | Singer | Almería | BOJA Decree |
Frequently asked questions about Andalusia Day
The municipality with the most inhabitants in Andalusia is Seville, the capital of the autonomous community. In 2024, the population of Seville is estimated at 700,513 inhabitants, according to data provided by World Population Review. This figure reflects the population of the city itself, without counting its metropolitan area.
Andalusia Day is celebrated on February 28 and commemorates the day of the referendum on the initiative of the autonomous process of Andalusia in 1980 that gave full autonomy to the Andalusian community. The referendum of February 28 came after the large autonomist demonstrations of December 4, 1977.
The flag of Andalusia is called “Arbonaida”. Its creator was Blas Infante, who is considered the father of the Andalusian homeland. This word originates from the Andalusian Arabic “albulaida”, diminutive of “balad”, whose meaning is “my land” or “my country”. This symbol symbolizes the homeland of all Andalusians.
The motto of the Andalusian Center: "Andalusia for itself, for Spain and Humanity."
The figure of Heracles is mythologically related to Andalusia. Legend has it that Hercules traveled to the island of Erythea, now between Cádiz and San Fernando, and that to remember that “work” the two columns were erected with his name and that separate Africa and Europe, the limits of the world known until then.
On December 4, 1977, around two million people took to the streets for the first time to demand the Statute of Autonomy for Andalusia. Citizens of the eight Andalusian provinces took to the streets en masse to protest under the slogan “Freedom, amnesty and statute of autonomy.”
Andalusia Day is celebrated on February 28 of each year. On this festival, it is traditional to observe how the white and green flags decorate the balconies of the houses of the towns and cities of the community and the children eat bread with oil and sugar.
At the beginning, Hispania Ulterior roughly corresponded to the current Andalusia, although later there were other administrative divisions, becoming known as Bética. Other Roman provinces with territories of current Andalusia were Lusitania and Cartaginensis.
Heinz Halm proposes that "al-Andalus" is the Arabization of the Gothic expression Landa-hlauts, a noun composed of the terms landa (land) and hlauts (lot) and which means "lands of lot."
The first document in which the word al-Andalus appears is on the bilingual coins, in Latin and Arabic, minted by the Muslim authorities in the first years of the conquest of Spain.
The capital of Andalusia is Seville. City known for its rich history, impressive architecture and vibrant culture. Seville has been an important cultural and economic center in the Andalusia region for centuries.
Andalusia is the largest community in Spain in population and the second largest in area. It is divided into eight provinces which are, in alphabetical order: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and
Sevilla.
As of January 1, 2023, the population of Andalusia stood at 8.584.147 inhabitants, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). These data are the most recent available and reflect an increase in the population of the autonomous community compared to previous years.
The origin of the word Andalusia
The origin of the word "Andalusia" is found in the era of Muslim domination in the Iberian Peninsula. It comes from the Arabic term "Al-Andalus", which was what the Muslims called the peninsular lands under their control, which at their greatest extent covered almost the entire Iberian Peninsula.
The term "Al-Andalus" evolved over time and linguistic changes, adapting to the Romance languages of the peninsula, especially Spanish. Thus, "Al-Andalus" became "Andalusia."
There are various theories about the most remote origin of "Al-Andalus". Some historians suggest that it could derive from a Vandal name, referring to one of the Germanic tribes that settled on the peninsula. Others propose that it could have roots in pre-Roman or Roman terms. However, the most accepted theory is that of its Arab origin.
Other notable days in Andalusia
28-02-1980: Referendum for Andalusian Autonomy. Historic referendum where Andalusia voted in favor of its autonomy, marking a milestone in its political and social history.
20-04-1992: Inauguration of Expo 92 in Seville. 1992 Universal Exhibition in Seville, a crucial event in the modern history of Andalusia, promoting its development and international visibility.
14-10-2004: Inauguration of the Seville Metro. Opening of the Seville Metro, the first metro system in Andalusia, signifying a great advance in infrastructure and urban transport.
04-03-2007: Elections to the Parliament of Andalusia. Significant regional elections for the political and democratic development of Andalusia, reflecting its institutional maturity.
05-05-2011: Opening of the Museum of the Constitution of 1812. Inauguration in Cádiz of the Museum of the Constitution of 1812, highlighting the historical relevance of Andalusia in the formation of the modern Spanish State.
25-09-2013: Foundation of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra. Creation of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra, enriching the cultural and musical heritage of Andalusia.
29-01-2016: Opening of the Pompidou Center in Malaga. Inauguration of the Pompidou Center headquarters in Malaga, the first center outside of France, marking a cultural milestone in Andalusia.
19-06-2018: Investiture of Juanma Moreno. Juanma Moreno is sworn in as president of the Junta de Andalucía, highlighting a relevant political change in the region.
15-04-2019: Celebration of the Centennial of the Seville Book Fair. Centenary of the Seville Book Fair, celebrating the literary and cultural tradition of Andalusia.
17-07-2021: Inauguration of the Museum of Fine Arts of Granada. Opening of the Museum of Fine Arts in Granada, highlighting the artistic wealth and historical legacy of Andalusia.
