Reconquest Day 2026 in Spain

Reconquest Day is observed on January 2 in Granada, marking the surrender of the city to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, which ended Muslim rule in Spain. The event is commemorated with ceremonies, processions, and historical reenactments celebrating the completion of the Reconquista.

Reconquest Day: A Public Holiday?

Reconquest Day is not a national public holiday in Spain but is officially observed in Granada. The city marks the event with ceremonies, processions, and historical reenactments, commemorating the 1492 surrender of Granada to the Catholic Monarchs.

Reconquest Day

Reconquest Day, or Día de la Toma, is observed on January 2 in Granada, marking the surrender of the city to the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II, in 1492. This event signified the completion of the Reconquista, the centuries-long Christian effort to reclaim Spain from Muslim rule. Granada was the last stronghold of the Nasrid Kingdom, and its surrender ended nearly eight centuries of Islamic presence in the Iberian Peninsula.

The agreement between the Catholic Monarchs and the last Muslim ruler, Boabdil, ensured a peaceful transition, promising to protect the rights of the Muslim population. However, these agreements were later broken, leading to forced conversions and expulsions. The fall of Granada was a turning point in Spanish history, leading to the unification of Spain under Christian rule and paving the way for Spain's global expansion during the Age of Exploration.

Observance of Reconquest Day in Spain

Reconquest Day is celebrated annually in Granada, where it remains a significant historical event. The day begins with an official ceremony at Granada's City Hall, attended by local authorities and citizens. A traditional flag-raising ceremony is held, symbolizing the Catholic Monarchs' triumph in 1492. People gather in Plaza del Carmen, where historical speeches and tributes take place, honoring the legacy of the Reconquista.

One of the most iconic parts of the celebration is the procession to the Royal Chapel of Granada, where the Catholic Monarchs are buried. City officials, dressed in ceremonial attire, carry a banner of the Catholic Monarchs through the streets, accompanied by music and cheering crowds. Some people reenact historical moments from the surrender of Granada, adding a theatrical element to the commemoration. The event also includes religious services, reflecting the deep connection between the Reconquista and Spain's Catholic heritage.

Despite its historical significance, Reconquest Day is not without controversy. Some see it as a celebration of Spain's unity, while others view it as a reminder of the expulsion of Muslim communities. In modern Spain, discussions continue about its relevance and the impact of the Reconquista. However, for Granada, it remains a day to remember the city's pivotal role in shaping Spanish history, attracting locals and visitors alike to take part in the commemoration.

Reconquest Day Observances