Schedule of national holidays in Spain 2024

What’s on this page?

1. Celebrations of national holidays Spain
2. New Year - January 1
3. Epiphany - January 6
4. Good Friday - March 29
5. Labor Day - May 1st
6. Assumption of Mary - August 15
7. National Day of Spain - October 12
8. All Saints' Day - November 1st
9. Constitution Day - December 6
10. Immaculate Conception - December 8
11. Christmas - December 25
12. More things you need to know about national holidays in Spain

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world today. It attracts a large number of travelers from different countries with its beautiful natural landscapes, healthy climate, modern urban infrastructure, and excellent transport links. Everything is interesting in Spain - from historical and cultural monuments to opportunities for various sports, entertainment and unique cuisine. However, special attention should be paid to national holidays Spain.

In Spain national holidays as well as regional ones reflect the country's rich history and cultural diversity. Holidays bring people together, play a big role in maintaining cultural traditions, which is very important for every Spaniard, and popularize Spain as a socially and culturally developed society. Vibrant, colorful events significantly contribute to the economic development and cultural enrichment of Spain, promote cultural exchange between different peoples and create a positive image of Spain in the international arena.

National holidays in Spain are held quite often compared to other countries. The summer season is especially busy, when from late June to early September colorful events take place throughout the country, involving a large number of participants. Holidays fully influence the daily life of Spaniards:

• contribute to bringing people together, not only relatives and friends, but also those celebrating together;
• provide the opportunity to have a good rest and, taking into account the mentality of the local residents, have plenty of fun;
• influence the development of many sectors of the country’s economy: tourism, hotel and restaurant business, recreation and entertainment;
• have a positive impact on the younger generation of Spaniards, who are continuers of cultural traditions;
• develop feelings of patriotism and pride for their country, etc.

In Spain national holidays fully contribute to the development of people's creativity, which has a positive effect on the general and emotional state, and increased performance. In general, there are about 14 public holidays in Spain throughout the year.

However, you should pay attention not only to national holidays in Spain, but also to many regional holidays, which are also of great importance for the life of the country and every Spaniard. Such actions in most cases are associated with the ancient traditions of a particular region or province, and important historical events.

Regional holidays are mainly attended by residents of a particular locality, but such events also attract great interest from visitors, both Spaniards and foreign citizens.

There are many examples of foreigners taking part in both national and regional celebrations in Spain over the years. Such enthusiasts draw up a schedule of holidays that interest them in advance, carefully consider the travel route and the time of stops in various localities, and the travel budget. Here it is important to determine the costs, first of all, for rent and food, and also take into account the costs of participating in festive events.

Next, let us have a look at the national holidays Spain.

Celebrations of national holidays Spain 

In Spain national holidays, are the following:

• New Year,
• religious holidays: Christmas, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception,
• Labor Day,
• Constitution Day,
• National Day of Spain.

New Year - January 1

The celebration begins on the evening of December 31st with family and friends at a festive dinner. According to tradition, when the clock strikes, you eat twelve grapes for good luck. Many people do this in city squares, where fun reigns. Masks and carnival costumes are welcome, people congratulate each other on the new year and continue to have fun until the morning. There is music, toasts, jokes and laughter. The festive atmosphere, many joyful faces inspires and fills hearts with joy.

Hotels, restaurants and bars are preparing festive programs for those wishing to celebrate the New Year. Here you can dance until the morning and enjoy festive dishes from different cuisines of the world. On December 31 and January 1, the transport schedule changes, which should be taken into account by visiting tourists, and on January 1, shops are closed so that the rest after the festive night is complete.

Epiphany - January 6

The Spaniards attach great importance to the Day of the Magician Kings or Epiphany. This is the name given to the holiday of Epiphany or Epiphany in Greek. In Spain, national holidays include several religious holidays that are days off. Epiphany is the first religious holiday of the year. The Spanish name Day of the Magician Kings is associated with the coming to Bethlehem of the pagan magician kings Belshazzar, Casper and Melchior to worship the newborn Jesus. The magician kings are the main characters of the holiday.

On January 5, festive processions are held in the cities of Spain, which are closed by a carriage with kings. On the evening of January 5, the Spaniards set a festive table for the kings, and children prepare their shoes, in which they find royal gifts in the morning. Children also write letters to the magic kings. A traditional treat for one of the main national holidays Spain 2024 is a royal bagel, which is cut into pieces for each family member.

Good Friday - March 29

The most significant religious holiday for all Christians in the world is Easter - the Resurrection of the Lord. In Spain national holidays 2024 are represented by Good Friday - Easter Eve. This day is a public holiday, and most Spaniards prefer to spend it and the following weekend outdoors. For this purpose, rural houses or hotels in coastal areas are rented. It should be taken into account that these days the number of cars on the country's roads increases significantly, and large traffic jams form. Therefore, you need to plan your route in advance.

On Good Friday, religious processions take place in the cities of Spain, the main one of which is organized in Seville, where tens and hundreds of thousands of tourists flock. On this day, it is difficult not only to drive through the city streets, but also to walk. The procession in Seville is considered the most beautiful. During the procession, participants carry pasos: stretchers with figures of the Virgin Mary, Christ, and biblical installations. The biggest fear on this day is rain, since the pasos cannot be allowed to get wet, because these works of art are decorated with jewels and are of great historical and cultural value.

Labor Day - May 1st

In Spain national holidays are represented by International Workers' Day or Labor Day. May 1st is a public holiday. On this day, demonstrations and processions of workers take place in all cities of the country. Workers put forward their demands to employers, and trade unions also have their say. The beginning of the history of this holiday dates back to 1886, when people died during the dispersal of a workers' demonstration. But today, this day has become a bright holiday of peace and labor.

Assumption of Mary - August 15

The Spaniards especially venerate the image of the Virgin Mary. And one of the main Spain national holidays is the Assumption of Mary. The most colorful event on this day is considered to be the festival in Elche (province of Alicante). This festival is included by UNESCO in the list of masterpieces of the intangible heritage of humanity. During the festival, a procession consisting of townspeople moves through the narrow streets of the city and the action, demonstrating the Dormition and Ascension of the Virgin Mary, ends in the local church.

In other cities, theatrical processions are also held on this day. Visitors should note that August 15 is a day off in Spain, so government agencies, banks, etc. are closed.

National Day of Spain - October 12

In Spain national holidays are also represented by secular public holidays, the most important of which is Spanish Nation Day. This holiday concerns not only the state of Spain, but also the entire Spanish-speaking world, which today includes about 500 million people on all continents. The history of the holiday dates back to 1492, when on October 12, the sea expedition of Christopher Columbus landed in the New World.

In the capital of Spain, Madrid, on October 12, a military parade is traditionally held in the presence of members of the royal family and numerous foreign guests. Celebrations are also held in other cities of the country, during which citizens and guests, dressed up and cheerful, take part in processions, laying flowers, dancing and feasts.

All Saints' Day - November 1st

In Spain national holidays mostly have a religious basis, and this holiday is dedicated to all the saints and their veneration. On this day, many Spaniards remember their deceased relatives. However, there is no single ritual on this day. Each region has its own traditions: from holding holiday fairs to theatrical performances. November 1 is a public holiday, which should be taken into account by visiting tourists.

Constitution Day - December 6

On this day in 1978, the modern Constitution of Spain was adopted, proclaiming this country a democratic state after many years of Franco's rule. Since 1983, Constitution Day has been declared a public holiday and a day off. On this day, shops are open, as the Spaniards like to prepare in advance for the Day of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8 and also a public holiday, and for Christmas.

Immaculate Conception - December 8

This holiday dates back to 1585. Immaculate Conception – is one of the most revered holidays in the Catholic community. The Virgin Mary is the patroness of Spain, so the Spaniards consider this day one of the main public holidays. Festivals, processions, flower-layings at statues and images of the Virgin Mary, and festive services are held throughout the country.

Christmas - December 25

In Spain national holidays 2024, will end with the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, for which the Spaniards traditionally prepare for several weeks. On this day, everyone gets into the spirit of their favorite holiday, when the streets of big cities and small towns are festively decorated, and houses are filled with the smells of Christmas dishes. Brightly colored Christmas trees, gifts and sweets - all the attributes of your favorite holiday are present in every family. Although Christmas is considered a quiet family holiday, it is still celebrated with friends, neighbors and work colleagues. Therefore, the second half of December in Spain is essentially non-working.

More things you need to know about national holidays in Spain

Spain is a large country both geographically and in terms of population structure. Different regions of Spain are home to people with significantly different mentalities, traditions and customs. And although national holidays are celebrated nationwide, they are celebrated differently in different provinces.

In addition, there are many regional holidays, among which it is worth highlighting:

When planning a trip to Spain to participate in national or regional holidays, you should carefully prepare and do the following:

• get acquainted with calendars of festivals widely presented in various Internet resources;
• communicate with friends living in Spain;
• study the schedule of transport, government agencies, banks, shops, hotels during the holidays.

You should also familiarize yourself with holiday traditions and purchase the necessary attributes in advance in order to fully become active participants and enjoy the celebrations.

Spain is a country with centuries-old cultural traditions, where every holiday is a bright, memorable event. Taking part in such celebrations means leaving unforgettable memories for many years to come. Therefore, it is definitely worth choosing a time and route, planning a budget and going on a trip.