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- Many of the main holidays are religious holidays
- There are nationwide holidays and regional holidays
- National holidays specific to Spain
- January 6, Epiphany / Three Kings’ Day
- The most important period of celebration in Spain is Holy Week (Semana Santa), the annual tribute to the Passion of Jesus Christ. As in all countries that celebrate Easter, the dates vary each year between the last two weeks of March to the first two weeks of April. The holidays are: Maundy Thursday – (R) – all regions excluding Catalonia, Good Friday (N) Easter Sunday (N), Easter Monday (R) – Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Catalonia, La Rioja, Navarre and Valencia.
- August 15, Assumption of Mary
- October 12, Spain’s National Day / Columbus Day
- November 1, All Saints’ Day (Fiesta de Todos los Santos)
- December 6, Spanish Constitution Day (N)
- December 8, Immaculate Conception (N)
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- Each city has its own patron saint with a holiday and it’s a big deal
- For example, May 15th in Madrid is a holiday for San Isidro and in Malaga, June 18 is the festival of San Ciriaco y Santa Paula
- Each city has its own patron saint with a holiday and it’s a big deal
Some examples of holidays based on region/city:
- Madrid
- March 20, Monday after Saint Joseph’s day
- May 2, Day of Madrid
- Catalonia
- December 25, St. Stephen’s Day
- May 16, Pentecost Monday
- June 24, St John’s Day (San Juan)
- September 11, Day of Catalonia
- Pamplona
- July, San Fermin (famous running of the bulls)
Keep in Mind
- Spain has quite a few holidays
- Holidays can strike without warning
- Festival dates are often not posted on websites until just before the event
- They may be even be posted incorrectly
Note: Check out Rick Steves’ site for for more info about holidays in Spain