La Rioja is one of the autonomous communities of Spain that is located in the northern part of the peninsula. Within this Community we can find seven rivers that go from the mountains and head to the Ebro, which is why La Rioja is known as the region of the seven valleys. If you want to know When is the Day of La Rioja celebrated? and to what owes its origin, read on.
When is Rioja Day 2021
Rioja Day is celebrated on June 9. This day an act takes place in San Millan de la Cogolla where the current president of La Rioja awards the city medal. It is a very special day with a lot of symbolism for the people of La Rioja.
Just the day before, on June 8, another act is also held in Santa Coloma where the proclamation that begins the Day of La Rioja is given. The reason that it is done in this municipality is due to a historical event. In Santa Coloma, in 1812, a meeting was held which was attended by the different towns of La Rioja and which was called the General Assembly of La Rioja or the Santa Coloma Convention. In this meeting, the identity of the people of La Rioja was vindicated, which is why it is a date that is well remembered by all of them.
Why is Rioja Day celebrated?
The reason why Rioja Day is celebrated on June 9 is because it was the day on which the Statute of Autonomy was approved of the Riojan community and for this reason, it is a date to remember and celebrate throughout La Rioja as it exalts the personality and identity of said community.
It was in Najera, on October 8, 1978 when the first Day of La Rioja was celebrated, which claimed the autonomy of the region under the motto of «La Rioja begins to walk«. After this edition it was also held in Haro, Logroño, Calahorra…
But finally, due to historical data, the celebration was moved to June 9 and it was decided that the commemorative act would always take place in San Millán de la Cogolla as a representation of the entire region.