This list includes national holidays, public holidays, and observances for Spain in 2025. Some holidays may be regional or observed only in specific locations.
Filter by Type:
Date
Holiday
Description
Type
Location
January
Wed
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
New Year's Day
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year, or January 1, in the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year, or January 1, in the Gregorian calendar.
National holiday
All
Thu
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Reconquest Day
Reconquest Day is a observance in Spain
Reconquest Day is a observance in Spain
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, January 6, 2025
Epiphany
Epiphany is a public holiday and the day most Christmas presentes are exchanged in Spain.
Epiphany is a public holiday and the day most Christmas presentes are exchanged in Spain.
National holiday
All
February
Fri
Friday, February 14, 2025
Valentine's Day
February 14 is Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Feast. The day of love owes its origins to ancient Roman and European Christian traditions.
February 14 is Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Feast. The day of love owes its origins to ancient Roman and European Christian traditions.
Observance
All
Fri
Friday, February 28, 2025
Day of Andalucía
The Day of Andalucía, also known as Andalucía Day, is an annual public holiday in the Andalucía autonomous community in Spain on February 28.
The Day of Andalucía, also known as Andalucía Day, is an annual public holiday in the Andalucía autonomous community in Spain on February 28.
Autonomous Community Holiday
AN
March
Sat
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Day of the Balearic Islands
The Day of the Balearic Islands is held on March 1 to remember the date when the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy came into effect. It is a local public holiday in this area in Spain.
The Day of the Balearic Islands is held on March 1 to remember the date when the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy came into effect. It is a local public holiday in this area in Spain.
Autonomous Community Holiday
IB
Mon
Monday, March 3, 2025
Carnival Monday
Carnival Monday is a observance in Spain
Carnival Monday is a observance in Spain
Observance
All
Tue
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Carnival Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is a religious holiday before the fasting period of Lent. It is celebrated by eating pancakes and holding Carnival parades.
Shrove Tuesday is a religious holiday before the fasting period of Lent. It is celebrated by eating pancakes and holding Carnival parades.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in western Christian churches.
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in western Christian churches.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Fathers' Day
Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on different dates worldwide.
Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on different dates worldwide.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
San Jose
Saint Joseph's Day honors St Joseph, the Virgin Mary's spouse. It is a public holiday in some parts of Spain on March 19 each year.
Saint Joseph's Day honors St Joseph, the Virgin Mary's spouse. It is a public holiday in some parts of Spain on March 19 each year.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
San Jose
Saint Joseph's Day honors St Joseph, the Virgin Mary's spouse. It is a public holiday in some parts of Spain on March 19 each year.
Saint Joseph's Day honors St Joseph, the Virgin Mary's spouse. It is a public holiday in some parts of Spain on March 19 each year.
Autonomous Community Holiday
MU, VC
Thu
Thursday, March 20, 2025
March Equinox
March Equinox in Spain (Madrid)
March Equinox in Spain (Madrid)
Season
All
Sun
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Daylight Saving Time starts
Daylight Saving Time starts in Spain
Daylight Saving Time starts in Spain
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
All
Mon
Monday, March 31, 2025
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday to mark the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the hours of daylight.
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday to mark the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the hours of daylight.
Autonomous Community Holiday
ML
Mon
Monday, March 31, 2025
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday to mark the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the hours of daylight.
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday to mark the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the hours of daylight.
Observance
CE
April
Sun
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast that commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is also the start of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast that commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is also the start of Holy Week.
Observance
All
Thu
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Autonomous Community Holiday
All except CT, VC
Thu
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Observance
All
Fri
Friday, April 18, 2025
Good Friday
Good Friday is a global Christian observance two days before Easter Sunday.
Good Friday is a global Christian observance two days before Easter Sunday.
National holiday
All
Sat
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday.
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday.
Observance
All
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, according to Christian belief.
Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, according to Christian belief.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
Autonomous Community Holiday
PV, CT, LO, NA, VC
Wed
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Day of Aragón
The Day of Aragon celebrates the Spanish region of Aragon's culture and history. It is an annual local public holiday on April 23.
The Day of Aragon celebrates the Spanish region of Aragon's culture and history. It is an annual local public holiday on April 23.
Autonomous Community Holiday
AR
Wed
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
St George's Day
St George's Day is an occasion for people in Catalonia to give loved ones a rose and a book.
St George's Day is an occasion for people in Catalonia to give loved ones a rose and a book.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Castile and León Day
Castile and León Day is celebrated in the Spanish autonomous community of Castile and León on April 23 every year.
Castile and León Day is celebrated in the Spanish autonomous community of Castile and León on April 23 every year.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CL
May
Thu
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Labor Day / May Day
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
National holiday
All
Fri
Friday, May 2, 2025
Day of Madrid
The Day of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain, marks the anniversary of an uprising against French troops in Madrid. It is an annual local public holiday on May 2.
The Day of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain, marks the anniversary of an uprising against French troops in Madrid. It is an annual local public holiday on May 2.
Autonomous Community Holiday
M
Sun
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Mothers' Day
One of Spain’s most popular and festive family occasions is Mothers’ Day on the first Sunday in May.
One of Spain’s most popular and festive family occasions is Mothers’ Day on the first Sunday in May.
Observance
All
Sat
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Galicia Literature Day
Galicia Literature Day is a autonomous community holiday in Spain
Galicia Literature Day is a autonomous community holiday in Spain
Autonomous Community Holiday
GA
Fri
Friday, May 30, 2025
Day of the Canary Islands
The Day of the Canary Islands marks the anniversary of the autonomous Canary Islands Parliament's first session. It is a local public holiday on the Canary Islands on May 30 each year.
The Day of the Canary Islands marks the anniversary of the autonomous Canary Islands Parliament's first session. It is a local public holiday on the Canary Islands on May 30 each year.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CN
Sat
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Day of Castile-La Mancha
The Day of the Region of Castilla-La Mancha marks the anniversary of when Castilla-La Mancha's first regional courts were opened. It is an annual public holiday in this Spanish region on May 31.
The Day of the Region of Castilla-La Mancha marks the anniversary of when Castilla-La Mancha's first regional courts were opened. It is an annual public holiday in this Spanish region on May 31.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CM
June
Fri
Friday, June 6, 2025
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (Id ul-Adha) is an Islamic festival falling on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (Thou al-Hijja) to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
Eid al-Adha (Id ul-Adha) is an Islamic festival falling on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (Thou al-Hijja) to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CE, ML
Sun
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Whit Sunday/Pentecost
Many Christians all over the world annually observe Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday.
Many Christians all over the world annually observe Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, June 9, 2025
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday that falls on the day after Pentecost, which is also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday.
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday that falls on the day after Pentecost, which is also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, June 9, 2025
Day of Murcia
The Day of the Region of Murcia marks the anniversary of when the autonomy of Murcia's statutes was approved. It is an annual public holiday in Murcia, Spain, on June 9.
The Day of the Region of Murcia marks the anniversary of when the autonomy of Murcia's statutes was approved. It is an annual public holiday in Murcia, Spain, on June 9.
Autonomous Community Holiday
MU
Mon
Monday, June 9, 2025
Day of La Rioja
The Day of La Rioja is an annual public holiday in the Spanish autonomous community of La Rioja on June 9.
The Day of La Rioja is an annual public holiday in the Spanish autonomous community of La Rioja on June 9.
Autonomous Community Holiday
LO
Fri
Friday, June 13, 2025
San Antonio
The Day of Saint Anthony of Padua marks the anniversary of St Anthony's death. It is a local public holiday in Ceuta, Spain, on June 13 each year.
The Day of Saint Anthony of Padua marks the anniversary of St Anthony's death. It is a local public holiday in Ceuta, Spain, on June 13 each year.
Observance
CE
Thu
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast in honor of the Holy Eucharist.
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast in honor of the Holy Eucharist.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CM
Thu
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast in honor of the Holy Eucharist.
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast in honor of the Holy Eucharist.
Observance
All
Sat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
June Solstice
June Solstice in Spain (Madrid)
June Solstice in Spain (Madrid)
Season
All
Tue
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Saint John the Baptist Day
Saint John the Baptist Day is annually held on June 24 to honor the life of St John, an early Christian saint. It is a public holiday in Catalonia, Spain.
Saint John the Baptist Day is annually held on June 24 to honor the life of St John, an early Christian saint. It is a public holiday in Catalonia, Spain.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CT, VC
Tue
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Saint John the Baptist Day
Saint John the Baptist Day is annually held on June 24 to honor the life of St John, an early Christian saint. It is a public holiday in Catalonia, Spain.
Saint John the Baptist Day is annually held on June 24 to honor the life of St John, an early Christian saint. It is a public holiday in Catalonia, Spain.
Observance
All
July
Fri
Friday, July 25, 2025
Feast of Saint James the Apostle
Saint James' Day is an occasion to honor the life and deeds of one of Jesus' disciples. It is a public holiday in the autonomous communities of the Basque Country and Galicia in Spain on July 25.
Saint James' Day is an occasion to honor the life and deeds of one of Jesus' disciples. It is a public holiday in the autonomous communities of the Basque Country and Galicia in Spain on July 25.
Observance
All
Fri
Friday, July 25, 2025
Feast of Saint James the Apostle
Saint James' Day is an occasion to honor the life and deeds of one of Jesus' disciples. It is a public holiday in the autonomous communities of the Basque Country and Galicia in Spain on July 25.
Saint James' Day is an occasion to honor the life and deeds of one of Jesus' disciples. It is a public holiday in the autonomous communities of the Basque Country and Galicia in Spain on July 25.
Autonomous Community Holiday
PV, GA, NA, M
Mon
Monday, July 28, 2025
Day of the Institutions
The Day of the Institutions of Cantabria marks the anniversary of the creation of the Cantabria province.
The Day of the Institutions of Cantabria marks the anniversary of the creation of the Cantabria province.
Autonomous Community Holiday
S
August
Tue
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The Day of Our Lady of Africa
The Day of Our Lady of Africa honors the patron saint of the city of Ceuta. It is a public holiday in this Spanish city on August 5.
The Day of Our Lady of Africa honors the patron saint of the city of Ceuta. It is a public holiday in this Spanish city on August 5.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CE
Sun
Sunday, August 10, 2025
The Day of Cantabria
The Day of Cantabria celebrates the history, culture and language of the Cantabrian region of Spain. It is annually held on the second Sunday of August.
The Day of Cantabria celebrates the history, culture and language of the Cantabrian region of Spain. It is annually held on the second Sunday of August.
Observance
S
Fri
Friday, August 15, 2025
Assumption of Mary
The Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary is on or around Aug 15 in most countries. A few celebrate Assumption Day at other times of the year.
The Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary is on or around Aug 15 in most countries. A few celebrate Assumption Day at other times of the year.
National holiday
All
September
Tue
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Day of the Independent City of Ceuta
The Day of Ceuta is celebrated as a local public holiday in the city of Ceuta in Spain on September 2 each year. This date commemorates when Pedro de Menezes (Meneses) took control of Ceuta.
The Day of Ceuta is celebrated as a local public holiday in the city of Ceuta in Spain on September 2 each year. This date commemorates when Pedro de Menezes (Meneses) took control of Ceuta.
Observance
CE
Sat
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Elcano's Day
Elcano’s Day is an observance in Spain's Basque region that recalls Juan Sebastián de Elcano’s circumnavigation of the globe in 1522.
Elcano’s Day is an observance in Spain's Basque region that recalls Juan Sebastián de Elcano’s circumnavigation of the globe in 1522.
Observance
PV
Mon
Monday, September 8, 2025
Day of Asturias
The Day of Asturias commemorates the Virgin of Covadonga and the Battle of Covadonga. It is an annual local public holiday in the autonomous community of Asturias in Spain on September 8.
The Day of Asturias commemorates the Virgin of Covadonga and the Battle of Covadonga. It is an annual local public holiday in the autonomous community of Asturias in Spain on September 8.
Autonomous Community Holiday
O
Mon
Monday, September 8, 2025
Day of Extremadura
The Day of Extremadura marks the anniversary of the Virgin Mary's birth. It is a local public holiday in Extremadura, Spain, on September 8.
The Day of Extremadura marks the anniversary of the Virgin Mary's birth. It is a local public holiday in Extremadura, Spain, on September 8.
Autonomous Community Holiday
EX
Mon
Monday, September 8, 2025
Virgin of the Victory
Virgin of the Victory is a observance in Spain
Virgin of the Victory is a observance in Spain
Observance
ML
Thu
Thursday, September 11, 2025
National Day of Catalonia
The Day of Catalonia commemorates the end of the siege of Barcelona in 1714. It is a local public holiday in Barcelona, Spain, on September 11.
The Day of Catalonia commemorates the end of the siege of Barcelona in 1714. It is a local public holiday in Barcelona, Spain, on September 11.
Autonomous Community Holiday
CT
Mon
Monday, September 15, 2025
Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida
Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida is a autonomous community holiday in Spain
Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida is a autonomous community holiday in Spain
Autonomous Community Holiday
S
Wed
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Day of Melilla
The Day of Melilla marks the anniversary of the storming of the city in 1497 and is a public holiday in Melilla, Spain.
The Day of Melilla marks the anniversary of the storming of the city in 1497 and is a public holiday in Melilla, Spain.
Observance
ML
Mon
Monday, September 22, 2025
September Equinox
September Equinox in Spain (Madrid)
September Equinox in Spain (Madrid)
Season
All
October
Thu
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Day of the Valencian Community
The Day of the Valencian Community is a local public holiday in Valencia, Spain, on October 9 each year. It celebrates Valencian culture and history.
The Day of the Valencian Community is a local public holiday in Valencia, Spain, on October 9 each year. It celebrates Valencian culture and history.
Autonomous Community Holiday
VC
Sun
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Hispanic Day
Hispanic Day marks the anniversary of the date that Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. It is a public holiday in Spain on October 12.
Hispanic Day marks the anniversary of the date that Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. It is a public holiday in Spain on October 12.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, October 13, 2025
Hispanic Day observed
Hispanic Day marks the anniversary of the date that Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. It is a public holiday in Spain on October 12.
Hispanic Day marks the anniversary of the date that Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. It is a public holiday in Spain on October 12.
Autonomous Community Holiday
AN, EX, AR, O, CL
Sun
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Daylight Saving Time ends
Daylight Saving Time ends in Spain
Daylight Saving Time ends in Spain
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
All
November
Sat
Saturday, November 1, 2025
All Saints' Day
Many churches honor all their saints on All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day.
Many churches honor all their saints on All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day.
National holiday
All
December
Wed
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Day of Navarre
People celebrate the culture of the Navarre region in Spain and life of Saint Francis Xavier on the Day of Navarre. It is an annual local public holiday in this region on December 3.
People celebrate the culture of the Navarre region in Spain and life of Saint Francis Xavier on the Day of Navarre. It is an annual local public holiday in this region on December 3.
Autonomous Community Holiday
NA
Sat
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Constitution Day
Constitution Day marks the anniversary of the referendum to approve the Spanish Constitution and is a public holiday in Spain.
Constitution Day marks the anniversary of the referendum to approve the Spanish Constitution and is a public holiday in Spain.
National holiday
All
Mon
Monday, December 8, 2025
Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian observance on December 8 each year.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian observance on December 8 each year.
National holiday
All
Sun
Sunday, December 21, 2025
December Solstice
December Solstice in Spain (Madrid)
December Solstice in Spain (Madrid)
Season
All
Wed
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Observance
All
Thu
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the biggest Christian celebrations and falls on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar.
Christmas Day is one of the biggest Christian celebrations and falls on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar.
National holiday
All
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
St Stephen's Day
The Feast of St Stephen is a holiday to commemorate the life and death of an early Christian saint.
The Feast of St Stephen is a holiday to commemorate the life and death of an early Christian saint.
Autonomous Community Holiday
IB, CT
Sun
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Feast of the Holy Family
Feast of the Holy Family is a observance in Spain
Feast of the Holy Family is a observance in Spain
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
New Year's Eve
New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, in the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, in the Gregorian calendar.
Observance
All
Understanding Spain Holidays 2025
Holiday Culture in Spain
Spain celebrates a passionate calendar of Catholic holidays, regional festivals, and the iconic siesta culture. Each autonomous community adds unique celebrations - Catalonia has La Mercè, Valencia has Las Fallas, Seville has Semana Santa processions. Spanish holidays emphasize family, food, late nights, and regional identity. The tradition of puentes (bridge holidays) means long weekends are maximized.
Major Holidays & Celebrations
Semana Santa (Holy Week)(Week before Easter (March/April))
Significance: Most important Spanish holiday week, especially in Andalusia. Celebrates Jesus's passion, death, and resurrection. Seville and Málaga have world-famous processions. Deeply emotional religious observance mixed with cultural tradition. UNESCO heritage status for several city celebrations.
Traditions: Elaborate religious processions with pasos (floats) carried by costaleros, penitents in pointed hoods, saetas (mournful songs), attending multiple processions, eating torrijas (Spanish French toast), and watching processions for hours.
Traditional Foods: Torrijas (honey-soaked bread), pestinos (honey fritters), potaje de vigilia (Lenten stew), bacalao (cod), and sweets. No meat on Good Friday (Catholic tradition).
Business Impact: Good Friday and sometimes Holy Monday/Tuesday are holidays depending on region. Entire week sees reduced productivity as people focus on processions. Andalusia essentially shuts down. Don't schedule business during Semana Santa.
La Tomatina & Regional Festivals(Last Wednesday in August (La Tomatina))
Significance: While not official holiday, Spain's regional festivals define summer. La Tomatina (Buñol) - world's biggest food fight. San Fermín (Pamplona running of bulls, July), Las Fallas (Valencia, March), La Mercè (Barcelona, September). Each region celebrates uniquely.
Traditions: La Tomatina: throwing 150,000 tomatoes at each other. San Fermín: running with bulls, drinking sangria. Las Fallas: burning enormous sculptures. Each festival has distinct traditions - fireworks, music, traditional dress.
Traditional Foods: Paella (Valencia), jamón ibérico, tapas, sangria, horchata, churros, and endless regional specialties. Festival foods vary by region.
Business Impact: While not official holidays, regional festivals disrupt business in those areas. Valencia shuts down for Las Fallas (March 15-19). Pamplona for San Fermín (July 6-14). Schedule around major regional festivals.
Christmas (Navidad) and Three Kings Day(December 25 and January 6)
Significance: Christmas celebrates Jesus's birth, but in Spain, Three Kings Day (Reyes Magos, January 6) is bigger for gift-giving. Reflects biblical story of three wise men. Christmas Eve features late dinner, midnight mass. January 5 evening has Three Kings parades nationwide.
Traditions: Belenes (nativity scenes), Christmas lottery (El Gordo - biggest lottery globally), eating 12 grapes at midnight New Year's Eve (one per bell chime), Three Kings parades January 5 evening, children leave shoes out for gifts.
Traditional Foods: Pavo trufado (truffle turkey), marisco (seafood), turrón (nougat), polvorones (crumbly cookies), roscón de reyes (kings' cake on Jan 6 with hidden figurine), and cava (Spanish sparkling wine).
Business Impact: December 25 and January 6 are official holidays. Many businesses close December 24-January 7. Three Kings Day is major - shops close, families gather. Holiday shopping peaks before January 6.
National Day (Día de la Hispanidad)(October 12)
Significance: Celebrates Columbus's arrival in Americas in 1492 and Spanish cultural heritage worldwide. Also known as Columbus Day. Military parade in Madrid, celebration of Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Politically sensitive given colonial history debates.
Traditions: Military parade in Madrid attended by Royal Family, flag ceremonies, cultural events celebrating Spanish heritage worldwide, and regional celebrations vary by political stance toward Spanish nationalism.
Traditional Foods: Not food-specific. Traditional Spanish meals enjoyed but no special National Day foods.
Business Impact: National holiday with everything closed. Often creates long weekend with puente. Catalonia and Basque Country may have protests given independence movements.
Holiday Pattern & Statistics
Spain observes 14 national holidays but each autonomous community adds 2-4 more, creating regional variation. Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia have distinct celebrations reflecting regional identity. The puente culture means Spaniards take bridge days frequently. Summer holidays (July-August) are sacred.
Business Travel & Coordination
August is dead - Spain vacations en masse. Semana Santa week (before Easter) is tricky, especially in Andalusia. Christmas through Three Kings (Dec 24-Jan 6) is lost. Best business periods: January-March (avoiding Semana Santa), September-November. Spanish business culture runs late - lunch at 2-3 PM, dinner at 9-10 PM. Siesta (2-5 PM) still observed outside major cities. Relationships matter more than punctuality. Expect passion and negotiation.
Cultural Traditions & Insights
Spanish culture emphasizes living well (vivir bien), family, and regional pride. Each region is distinct - Catalans speak Catalan, Basques speak Euskera, Galicians speak Galego. The siesta is real outside Madrid/Barcelona - shops close 2-5 PM. Tapas culture is social ritual - standing at bars, moving between venues. Late schedules - dinner at 10 PM normal. Soccer (fútbol) is religion - El Clásico stops the nation. Flamenco, bullfighting, and regional dances reflect deep cultural roots. Loud conversations are normal. Personal space is closer than Northern Europe.
Timezone Coordination Tips
Spain uses CET (UTC+1) in winter, CEST (UTC+2) in summer despite being geographically west of UK (should be GMT) - Franco aligned with Nazi Germany in 1940s. This means late sunsets - sun sets at 10 PM in summer. Business hours run late: 9-2 PM, then 5-8 PM (split day). Lunch is 2-4 PM. When coordinating with US, afternoon Spain time works for morning US East Coast. Spanish business culture values face-to-face meetings and long meals over quick calls.
Why Check Spain Public Holidays?
Plan business meetings and avoid scheduling conflicts during bank closures
Coordinate with remote teams and international colleagues across time zones
Book travel and accommodations around peak holiday periods for better rates
Respect cultural and religious observances important to local communities
Optimize project timelines and deadlines accounting for reduced business days
Anticipate supply chain and logistics disruptions during major holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Perfectly Synchronized
Our holiday calendar for Spain is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. Use this information alongside our Spain timezone tools and meeting planner to coordinate seamlessly with Spain and stay perfectly synchronized with local schedules.