Public Holidays in Spain
Complete list of official public holidays (fiestas nacionales) in Spain for , including national holidays and autonomous community observances. Data sourced live from official government records.
Found … public holidays in Spain for .
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About Public Holidays in Spain
Spain has one of the most generous public holiday calendars in Europe, with 14 national public holidays (fiestas nacionales) — among the highest number of any EU country. This figure does not include the additional regional holidays that each of Spain's 17 autonomous communities can add, meaning workers in some regions enjoy even more days off throughout the year.
The national holiday calendar is set by the central government under Spain's Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores). Nationally, workers are entitled to 14 paid public holidays per year: 8 fixed national holidays and up to 6 additional days that can be set by the autonomous communities or municipalities. If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed on the following Monday.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) — the week leading up to Easter — is one of the most culturally significant periods in Spain. While only Good Friday is a national public holiday, the entire Holy Week is treated as a major holiday period, especially in Andalusia, where elaborate processions (pasos) wind through city streets. Seville, Málaga, and other Andalusian cities are renowned for their Holy Week observances.
Spain's National Day (Día de la Fiesta Nacional de España) falls on October 12, known as Día de la Hispanidad. This date marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. The day is celebrated with a military parade in Madrid attended by the Royal Family and government officials. It is also observed as a day honoring Spain's historical ties with Latin American countries.
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) on December 6 commemorates the approval of Spain's democratic constitution by referendum in 1978, marking the country's transition from the Franco dictatorship to parliamentary democracy. Immaculate Conception Day on December 8 reflects Spain's deep Catholic roots. August, particularly the Assumption of Mary on August 15, is another major holiday period when many businesses and shops close for extended summer breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Spain Holidays
How many public holidays does Spain have?
Spain has 14 national public holidays per year set by the central government — one of the highest totals in the European Union. On top of these, each of Spain's 17 autonomous communities can declare additional regional holidays. Workers in Madrid, Barcelona, or other major cities may have slightly different holiday schedules depending on local declarations, and municipalities can also set 2 additional local holidays per year.
What is Día de la Hispanidad?
Día de la Hispanidad (October 12) is Spain's National Day. It commemorates Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The day is also called Día de la Fiesta Nacional de España and is observed with a large military parade in Madrid. It celebrates Spain's history and its cultural and linguistic links with Latin America and the Philippines. It is also recognized in some Latin American countries as Día de la Raza or Día del Descubrimiento.
Is Holy Week a public holiday in Spain?
Only Good Friday (Viernes Santo) is a nationally recognized public holiday during Holy Week in Spain. However, Holy Week (Semana Santa) is treated as an important holiday period throughout the country, with many businesses closing for part or all of the week. In some regions and autonomous communities, additional days such as Holy Thursday may be declared local holidays. Holy Week celebrations — especially the famous processions in Seville, Málaga, and Valladolid — are among the most spectacular cultural events in Spain.
Do Spanish regions have their own holidays?
Yes. Spain's 17 autonomous communities each have the authority to set their own additional regional public holidays on top of the 8 fixed national holidays. For example, Catalonia observes La Diada (September 11), Madrid observes Community Day (May 2), Andalusia observes Día de Andalucía (February 28), and the Basque Country observes Euskadi Day (October 25). Additionally, municipalities can declare 2 local fiestas per year — often the feast day of the town's patron saint.
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