2024 public holidays celebrated in spain

This is usually celebrated with family meals and relaxation after the lively and late-night celebrations of New Year’s Eve (nochevieja).  It’s a tradition to have lentil soup on January 1st as it’s believed to bring prosperity for the new year.  Many people take a leisurely walk or outing, often to enjoy the typically mild January weather.

The Three Kings, known as the Wise Men or ‘Los Reyes Magos‘, are at the heart of the Epiphany celebration.  These figures, stemming from Christian tradition, are believed to be Wise Men or Magi, each a king in his own right.  This period is marked by the much-anticipated Kings Parade – a vibrant procession through the streets where the three kinds are seen showering the streets with sweets.  This is traditionally also when gifts are given to family members and children.  People typically eat a special Kings’ Day cake or bread called the Roscón de Reyes. It’s a sweet bread filled with dried candy fruits, topped with more fruits and sticky sugar, and decorated with a gold paper crown. Inside will be hidden a prize and a dried bean; the one who finds the prize gets to wear the crown and be king for the day, while the person who finds the bean must buy next year’s cake.

This is a significant day during Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus Christ's institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper, which is described in the Christian Bible.  On this day, a ceremonial foot-washing ritual is performed to imitate Jesus, who washed his disciples' feet.  In Spain, Maundy Thursday is observed as a public holiday in most autonomous communities, however it may vary depending on the region. 

This holiday is part of Holy Week, or "Semana Santa", which is the most important religious celebration in the country.   Spaniards commemorate the day Jesus died on the cross. It is a day of fasting and repentance for sinful acts. Many Spaniards observe the tradition of not eating meat on Good Friday, instead, they often eat "Potaje de Vigilia", a simple dish made with cod, chickpeas, and spinach.  The main events of Good Friday are the processions organised by various religious brotherhoods, or "cofradías". Members of these brotherhoods dress up in matching long and brightly colored robes, typically with tall pointed hoods that often only leave two small holes for the eyes. They parade through their city carrying huge, intricate floats, usually bedecked in gold and decorated with flowers and candles. These floats feature three-dimensional depictions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary from the story of the Passion of Christ.   The most dramatic and passionate processions typically take place on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, when mourners dressed in black lace and carrying candles usually join in.

A holiday commemorating social progress and the rights of the workers' movement. It was first celebrated on May 1, 1889.   After being prohibited for four decades the celebration was re-legalized and reinstated as a national holiday in 1978.  It is marked by protests and manifestations all over the country, in which social advances are celebrated and workers’ rights are advocated.   On this day, it is considered a mandatory resting day for all Spaniards to live a day of retribution for labor and the social rights of the workers’ movement. The holiday is celebrated with various events and activities.

This Christian feast day commemorates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven following her death.  The festivities often begin on August 11 and culminate on August 15 with grand celebrations.  Some of the traditions associated with this event will vary by region and include costumes and decorations, processionals and festivals, community events and religious activities.  This feast has been celebrated since the 18th century and is also known as the Day of the Virgen de la Paloma in Spain.

This day commemorates the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus for Spain on October 12, 1492.  The day symbolizes Spain's vast, common heritage with today's American countries, which made up the Spanish Empire, the first global power in world history. It is also a day for the Spanish people to commemorate the country's history, recognize and appreciate achievements, and reconfirm their commitment to the nation's future.  The celebration includes a military parade attended by the King, Queen, and other dignitaries, as well as a stunning aerial display by the Spanish Air Force. It is also an official holiday in much of Hispanic America, though under varying names.

People from all over the country return to their town or village to lay flowers on the graves of deceased family members. This day is dedicated to remembering all the known and unknown saints of the church.  The Spanish consider themselves fortunate in having two birthdays each year. They have their customary birthday to commemorate the day they were born but they also celebrate on the day of their personal patron saint.  Most people will visit the graves of relatives and decorate them with elaborate floral displays. The Eucharist, or Mass, will often be performed in the cemetery several times during the day.  There are a number of special dishes including roasted chestnuts, small almond cakes called pannellets, huesos de santo (the saint’s bones) which have marzipan, eggs and sugar syrup, and buñuelos de viento (puffs of wind) which are doughnuts liberally sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

This day commemorates the approval of the Spanish Constitution of 1978. The constitution was ratified by the Spanish people in a referendum held on this day. It marks a significant milestone in Spain's transition to becoming a constitutional monarchy and democracy. 

Christmas in Spain is a significant celebration, primarily seen as a time for family gatherings and old friends.  The Christmas season officially begins on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. From then onwards, holiday traditions such as nativity scenes and Christmas lights commence, building up to December 24th.   One unique tradition is the Christmas lottery, nicknamed "El Gordo" (the Fat One), which is believed to be the largest in the world. About three out of every four Spaniards enter the lottery, with the winners drawn on December 22nd.   The most special night is Christmas Eve, December 24th, when lavish meals with family and friends are common. The meals normally include several starters, followed by dishes such as soups, roast meat, fish, or stuffed turkey, and finish with sweet treats and desserts.   However, the main day for gift-giving in Spain is not Christmas Day, but January 6th.

This holiday commemorates the passing of a 1980 referendum that led to Andalusia gaining "autonomous region" status within Spain. This gives a degree of increased local autonomy but not independence. It also is a symbolic recognition of the people, culture, and unique history of Andalusia.  During this holiday, public life is generally quiet and many businesses and other organizations are closed. However, Seville, the largest city in Andalusia, is the center of activity during this holiday. There are many cultural events, including competitions, and everyone flies the green and white flag of Andalusia.  If the Andalusia Regional Holiday falls on a weekend, many businesses and people will observe the following Monday as a day off in order to create a three-day weekend. 

This day celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. It's marked by religious ceremonies and festive events, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage and lively cultural atmosphere.  It's worth noting that this holiday is celebrated in many countries around the world, not just Spain. It's observed as a day of obligation with required church attendance for Roman Catholics. Despite its name, the Immaculate Conception actually refers to the conception of the Blessed Mother Mary, not Jesus.