National holidays in Spain are an important part of the country’s culture and history. Many of these holidays have religious origins, and some commemorate significant historical events. For example, National Day on October 12th celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, and St. Joseph’s Day (Fallas de San José) on March 19th is when Spain celebrates Father’s Day.
On these holidays, cities throughout Spain come alive with celebrations and festivals. In Madrid, National Day is celebrated with a military parade and a flyover by the Spanish Air Force. Easter, or Semana Santa, is celebrated in cities across the country with processions, parades, and other events. And Christmas, New Year’s Eve and The Three Kings are celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks displays, and lots of delicious food.
So, whether you’re visiting Spain to experience the vibrant festivals and events, or simply want to soak up the local culture, be sure to keep an eye out for these national holidays and join in on the fun!
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National Holidays in Spain Dates:
January 1: New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) – This holiday celebrates the beginning of the new year and is a public holiday throughout Spain. The celebrations typically include fireworks, parties, and gatherings with family and friends – celebrations begin on December 31.
January 6: Epiphany (Three Kings) (Día de los Reyes Magos) – Epiphany is a Christian holiday that commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. It is celebrated with parades and processions throughout Spain, and children receive gifts from the “Reyes Magos” (the three wise men).
March 19: St. Joseph’s Day (Día de San José) – St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers and workers, and this holiday is particularly important in Valencia, where it is celebrated with the famous Fallas festival.
April 10-13: Easter (Semana Santa) – Easter is one of the most important holidays in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, where the celebrations are particularly elaborate. Semana Santa is a week-long festival that commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and includes processions, parades, and traditional religious observances.
May 1: Labor Day (Día del Trabajador) – This holiday celebrates workers and their contributions to society. It is a public holiday throughout Spain, and is often marked by parades and demonstrations.
August 15: Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen) – This is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken bodily into heaven after her death. It is a public holiday in many parts of Spain.
October 12: National Day (Día de la Hispanidad) – This holiday celebrates Spain’s national identity and the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. It is a public holiday throughout Spain, and is marked by parades and other celebrations.
November 1: All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) – This holiday is dedicated to remembering the lives of all the saints and martyrs in Christian history. It is a public holiday in Spain, and families often visit cemeteries to pay their respects to deceased loved ones.
December 6: Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) – This holiday commemorates the ratification of the Spanish Constitution in 1978, which established Spain as a constitutional monarchy. It is a public holiday throughout Spain.
December 8: Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción) – This Christian holiday celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. It is a public holiday in many parts of Spain.
December 25: Christmas Day (Navidad) – Christmas is a major holiday throughout Spain, marked by religious observances, gift-giving, and family gatherings. The celebrations typically last for several days and include traditional foods like roast lamb and sweets like turrones (nougat).
