Spain’s annual calendar is a vibrant tapestry of national public holidays—from the festive kickoff of New Year’s Day and Epiphany in January through the autumnal observances of National Day and All Saints’ Day, to the year-end celebrations of Constitution Day, Immaculate Conception and Christmas. Interwoven with these are cherished cultural festivities—Valentine’s Day, the colorful Carnival, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the growing popularity of Halloween—that reflect Spain’s deep religious roots, storied history and modern zest for life.
National Public Holidays in Spain
- New Year’s Day (January 1) – Families welcome the year with fireworks, family lunches and fireworks displays in plazas nationwide.
- Epiphany (Día de los Reyes) (January 6) – Parades of the Three Kings (Cabalgatas) delight children, who share roscón de reyes and open gifts.
- Good Friday (Friday before Easter) – Solemn processions of religious floats (pasos) wind through city streets, accompanied by marching bands.
- Labour Day (May 1) – Trade unions lead demonstrations and rallies in Madrid, Barcelona and towns across the country.
- Assumption of Mary (August 15) – Villages host outdoor Masses and fiestas honouring the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven.
- National Day of Spain (October 12) – Military parades in Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana celebrate Spain’s Hispanic heritage.
- All Saints’ Day (November 1) – Families lay chrysanthemums on graves and attend church services in quiet remembrance.
- Constitution Day (December 6) – Civic ceremonies mark the 1978 ratification of Spain’s democratic constitution.
- Immaculate Conception (December 8) – Processions and Masses celebrate Mary’s freedom from original sin.
- Christmas Day (December 25) – Midnight Mass, festive meals of turrones and polvorones, and gift-giving in homes and public squares.
Beloved Cultural Celebrations
- Valentine’s Day (February 14) – Romantic dinners, red roses and sweet cards fill cafés and restaurants.
- Carnival (47 days before Easter) – From Cádiz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, locals don elaborate costumes, dance in street parades and shower one another with confetti.
- Mother’s Day (first Sunday in May) – Children present flowers and handmade cards at school-hosted craft fairs; families gather for special brunches.
- Father’s Day (March 19, San José) – Traditional meals honour fathers; many regions hold community breakfasts or tapas outings.
- Halloween (October 31) – Costume parties, pumpkin-carving and trick-or-treating are on the rise, especially in urban neighbourhoods.
Tips for Planning Your Spanish Holiday Year
- Book Early: Major holidays (Easter week, August holidays) see hotels and trains fill—reserve months ahead.
- Embrace Local Traditions: Check municipal websites for procession schedules, fiestas and special events unique to each town.
- Balance Reflection & Festivity: Respect the solemnity of Holy Week and All Saints’ Day, then dive into the joyous street parties of Carnival and Christmas markets.
- Combine Travel & Culture: Plan regional getaways—wine tours in La Rioja on Labour Day weekend or beach escapes on Assumption Day—for a deeper Spanish experience.
Whether you’re drawn by centuries-old religious rites, sun-soaked summer feasts or lively modern festivities, Spain’s rich tapestry of holidays and celebrations offers something for every traveller and local alike. Mark your calendar, join the fiesta, and discover why Spain’s traditions remain as vibrant today as they were generations ago.