The Day of the Basque Country is observed in the Basque Country, an autonomous community in northern Spain, every October 25. This day commemorates the anniversary of the Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country, which was approved in 1978 and ratified by referendum in 1979. The Basque Country is home to the Basque people, an indigenous ethnic group with a unique language and culture. Although the region has enjoyed a high level of autonomy, many Basque nationalists view this autonomy as a compromise rather than a true victory, as they seek independence. The holiday serves as a reminder of the historical struggles faced by the Basque people, particularly during the Franco regime and the subsequent armed struggle led by the separatist organization ETA, which declared a permanent ceasefire in 2011. Despite being an official holiday, the significance of the day is debated among nationalists.