When are the National Holidays in Spain

Spanish National Holidays

Are you planning your year ahead? Spain's national holidays are handy to have on your calendar so you  make the most of your time off. Whether you're coordinating work schedules, planning trips, or simply need to stay on top of important dates, this guide outlines all the official national holidays across Spain for the year. 

How many National Holidays are there in Spain ?

1st January 

6th January 

Thursday before Good Friday

Good Friday 

1st May 

15th August 

12th October 

1st November 

6th December 

8th December 

25th December 

New Year´s Day - 1st January

Marking the start of the new year the first holiday is New Year ś Day - 1st January. This day is a time for celebration when people typically have family gatherings. Of course New Year´s Eve is a big celebration - but not a national holiday. The evening of 31st December sees families get together to pop 12 grapes into their mouths, one for every chime of the clock, to bring good luck in the following year.

Skinned Tinned Grapes - makes it easier!

Epiphany - 6th January

Dia de Los Reyes on 6th January is celebrated in Spain as Epiphany, also known as the Day of the Three Kings. This holiday is observed in all autonomous communities and is one of the most long-standing traditions. It is traditionally the day when people receive the gifts they have asked for from the Three King but more and more gifts are given on Christmas day as well or instead of 6th January. Which makes sense as school usually begins again on 7th January.

Celebrations begin the night before, 5th January, when the Three Kings parades around the streets. The costumed Kings march through the streets throwing sweets and collecting letters from children. On the morning of 6th January, it is common to find presents beside shoes, which were left out the previous night.

A traditional on this day is to eat "Roscón de Reyes," a cake, either filled or not, decorated with candied fruits which symbolize the jewels of the Three Kings. This day marks the end of the Christmas season in Spain.

Individual Roscones de Reyes

Viernes Santo - Good Friday

Good Friday is a religious holiday in Spain which commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. As part of Holy Week, this day is a time of deep reflection and solemnity for Catholics. This is traditionally what would be known as the Easter Holidays in 2025 in Spain, also known as "Semana Santa". 

In many cities, especially in Andalusia, ostentatious processions are held, featuring floats that represent scenes from the Passion of Christ. Churches also hold special services, though the Eucharist is not celebrated on Good Friday.

It is traditional for the faithful to fast and abstain from eating meat. In some areas, such as León, there are unique traditions like the "Entierro de Genarín."

Unlike in other parts of the world Thursday - Jueves Santo and Friday -Viernes Santo  are celebrated, Monday is a normal day and back to school and work.

Easter in Spain

The 1st May holiday celebrates the labour movement and workers' rights, evolving throughout history. Its origins date back to 1889, when the first International Labour Day was celebrated. Whatever day 1st May falls on is the national holiday.

This holiday was reinstated after being banned during Franco's dictatorship.  In 1978 fter Franco's death and the beginning of democracy, 1st May was reinstated as a national holiday.

The Assumption of the Virgin -15th August 

The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin is on 15th August, a religious holiday commemorating the belief in the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven.

The Assumption of the Virgin is one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic churches´ calendar. According to tradition, Mary was taken to heaven  at the end of her earthly life. This belief has been celebrated for centuries and is reflected in various cultural manifestations.

Hispanic Day - 12th October 

Hispanic Day on 12th October is a National Day, which commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America in 1492. a historical milestone that marked the beginning of the connection between the two continents.

The day is celebrated in Madrid with a military parade attended by the King and high-ranking officials. The event includes air and land displays, symbolizing national unity and pride in the country’s history. In addition to the parade, commemorative events take place at the Plaza de Colón.

All Saints' Day - 1st November  

The 1st November holiday, known as All Saints' Day, is a religious celebration that honours the deceased. This Spanish tradition  where families visit cemeteries with flowers and candles to place at the graves of loved ones. This holiday aslo has its traditional sweets such as "huesos de santo," "buñuelos de viento," or "panellets" that you'll find bakeries and housewives preparing.

The holiday dates back to the 4th century when the Eastern Church dedicated a day to commemorate all martyrs. In the 9th century Pope Gregory IV extended the celebration to the Western Church and fixed  the date as 1st November. Since then, All Saints’ Day has become deeply rooted in Spanish culture, blending respect for the deceased with the enjoyment of food and family gatherings.

Constitution Day - 6th December

An important date for Spain's history is 6th December. It celebrates the anniversary of the Spanish Constitution in 1978. This is the supreme law governing citizens' rights and duties, freedoms, the organisation of the state, and constitutional guarantees.

The long process of transition from Franco's dictatorship was put to a referendum on 6th December 1978, when more than 17 million people voted  and 91.81% voted in favour of the constitituion, in 1983 6th December became a National Holiday.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - 8th December

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8th December is a religious holiday which commemorates  the conception of the Virgin Mary, who, according to Catholic tradition, was conceived without original sin. 

This celebration forms part of the puente - "December bridge," which when added together with  Constitution Day on 6th December gives people an extra day - 7th December making a long holiday.

Christmas Day - 25th December 

Christmas Day, 25th December is the Christian holiday which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is just one day, which is why most Spanish have their celebrations and give presents on the evening before - Christmas Eve.

Public Holidays in Andalucia

As well as the National Holidays the region of Andalucia also has 28th February as a Holiday which is known as Andalucia Day or  Dia de Andalucía - it celebrates the date of the autonomy of Andalucia.