In commemoration to Día de Andalucía or the Day of Andalucía, to be held on February 28, the Mayoress of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, today (February 22) participated in an event held in the Plenary Hall of the Town Hall. The event was attended by students from different schools of the municipality.

Speaking at this institutional event, the Mayoress stressed on the importance of the Statute of Andalusia which holds the superior values of freedom, justice, equality and political pluralism for all Andalusians, within a framework of equality and solidarity with other autonomous communities of Spain.

Several council members also attended the event along with students from six schools in the municipality. María Munoz, who along with the students read the articles of the Regulations, said how the legal document entitles the widest coverage of power and self governance to the Andalusian community.

“February 28 marks the referendum in which the Andalusians approve the Statute of our community, which we have to feel proud because for us is the most important and not just sentiment, also by size and population,” she explained.

It is to be noted here that Andalucía was not recognised as an autonomous region even after the end of General Franco regime and the adoption of new Spanish Constitution of 1978. It was only on February 28, 1980 that a referendum vote was taken which amassed an overwhelming majority needed for an autonomous government. However, it took another two years for the same to come into effect.

Under the Article 2 of Spanish Constitution which ennobles the right of “regions and nationalities” to have self government, it was inevitable to recognize the sentiments of the people of Andalusia who constitute a major part of Spanish nationality. This is the most important day in Andalucía history and hence a regional holiday declared by the City Council.

For more information please read a special article on Dia de Andalucia