Castilla-La Mancha Day in 2024

When is the Day of Castilla-La Mancha?

The Day of Castilla-La Mancha (Día de la Región de Castilla La Mancha) is a regional public holiday, observed in the autonomous community of Castilla–La Mancha on May 31st.  Depending on what day of the week, other key holidays fall on each year, this day may be chosen as a regional alternative.

The day takes place on the anniversary of the constitution of the first regional Cortes (local government) on May 31st 1983.

History of the Day of Castilla-La Mancha

Castilla–La Mancha is an autonomous community of Spain, located in the middle of the Iberian peninsula. It is one of the most sparsely populated of Spain's regions.  Albacete is the largest and most populous city.  The capital city is Toledo.

The autonomous community of Castilla–La Mancha dates from November 15th 1978 when several autonomous regions were defined by the Spanish central government.  The Statute of Autonomy of Castilla–La Mancha took effect on August 17th 1982.

On the last day of May 1983, the first Cortes of Castilla-La Mancha elected by its citizens was constituted.  This date of May 31st was such a notable event that it was officially chosen as the community's Regional Day.

The Cortes of Castilla-La Mancha is one of the three organs that make up the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha. It is comprised of 33 elected deputies, with elections taking place every four years.

Despite its recent political and administrative status, the region has a rich cultural history with Iberians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims and Christians all having lived in the area and left their mark.

The day is marked by a ceremony were the Gold Medals of the Region and the Regional Merit Badges are presented.

This holiday was first observed on the anniversary of the constitution of the courts in 1984.