Madrid hosts folkloric showcase of Hispanic cultures

South American dance performances graced the streets of Madrid on Saturday ahead of Spain's National Day next week. 150 artists from countries such as Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Mexico and Spain participated in the folkloric display of Hispanic cultures. The performances comprised of nearly 130 activities that were taking place on October 4 to 12.

The activities also included exhibitions, literary events, parades, gastronomic days, theatrical performances and concerts. Spain began celebrating the October 12 National Day in its current form in 1987. Legislation endorsed the national holiday and noted that it commemorated Spain's "linguistic and cultural projection beyond its European borders."