March 1 is the national holiday of the Balearic Islands. Día de la Hispanidad celebrates the appointment of the Balearic Islands as an autonomous Spanish region in 1983. It is a non-working day and numerous events take place on the islands. In Palma there is a traditional market, stalls, concerts, street music and folklore. There are also celebrations in many places outside Palma.
The Mallorcans have no intention of seceding from the Spanish state, but they see themselves as an independent island nation. This is evidenced by their own language and culture. Therefore, March 1 is a sacred holiday for the islanders, more than the Spanish Independence Day. In 2007 the autonomy status was renewed.
