Day of Navarre in Spain

The Day of Navarre (Día de Navarra) in Spain marks the anniversary of Saint Francis Xavier's death on December 3, 1552. It is annually observed on December 3 and celebrates the Spanish Navarre region's culture.

Pamplona city hall, Navarre region, Spain. Many people in this region celebrate the Day of Navarre each year. ©iStockphoto.com/stocknshares

What do people do?

Events around the Day of Navarre and the Day of Saint Francis Xavier generally last for about two weeks in late November and early December. These include:

• Church services and religious parades to honor the life of Saint Francis Xavier.
• Concerts of local and traditional music.
• The presentation of medals recognizing the achievements of local people.
• Special activities for children and families.

Many activities take place in the city of Pamplona, but some are also arranged in other towns and villages.

Public life

The Day of Navarre is a public holiday in Spain's Navarre region, but not in the rest of Spain, on December 3. Many businesses and other organizations are closed. Many stores are closed but some bakers and food stores may be open. Public transport services may run to a reduced schedule. Parades and other public events may cause some local disruption to traffic, especially in the centers of towns and villages.

Background

Saint Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506, in Javier, a tiny village in the Navarre Region of Spain. He became a Jesuit priest and worked as a missionary in China, India, Indonesia and Japan. He died on December 3, 1552, in China and was canonized on March 12, 1622. Saint Francis Xavier is now the patron saint of the autonomous community of Navarre. Navarre is an autonomous community in northern Spain on the southern edge of the Bay of Biscay. It has land borders with the autonomous communities of Aragon, La Rioja and the Basque Country.

Symbols

Navarre's flag consists of a bright red rectangle with the coat of arms of Navarre at the center. This coat of arms has a red background and consists of eight gold chains with an emerald in the middle. The Royal Crown, symbolizing the ancient kingdom of Navarre is above. This symbol was first used in 1212, when King Sancho VII the Strong defeated Moorish forces. The flag of Navarre is often displayed with the national flag of Spain and the European flag.

Day of Navarre Observances

Other holidays in December 2012 in Spain

• Constitution Day ―Thursday, December 6, 2012
• Immaculate Conception ―Saturday, December 8, 2012
• December Solstice ―Friday, December 21, 2012
• Christmas Day ―Tuesday, December 25, 2012