Spain is a country rich in culture, tradition, and festive spirit, with holidays varying from nationwide celebrations to regional and local observances. Whether you’re planning your schedule or a vacation, understanding these holidays—often referred to as “red days” due to their marking on calendars—ensures you make the most of your time in Spain.
Holidays in Spain fall into three categories:
1. National Holidays: Celebrated across the entire country.
2. Regional Holidays: Specific to Spain’s 17 autonomous communities.
3. Local Holidays: Unique to individual cities or towns.
These public holidays are observed nationwide. Banks, schools, and most businesses close on these days:
1. January 1: New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
2. January 6: Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos)
• Celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men with parades and family gatherings.
3. Good Friday (Viernes Santo): Varies annually based on Easter.
4. May 1: Labour Day (Día del Trabajador)
• A day to honor workers, often marked by peaceful demonstrations.
5. August 15: Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen)
• A religious holiday celebrating the Virgin Mary’s ascension to heaven.
6. October 12: Hispanic Day (Fiesta Nacional de España)
• Celebrates Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the Americas.
7. November 1: All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos)
• Families honor deceased loved ones by visiting cemeteries.
8. December 6: Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
• Marks the ratification of Spain’s Constitution in 1978.
9. December 8: Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)
10. December 25: Christmas Day (Navidad)
Regional Holidays in Spain: Examples from Costa del Sol, Costa Cálida, and Costa Blanca
Spain’s regional holidays are deeply rooted in local culture, history, and traditions. Here are 12 examples of unique holidays celebrated in popular regions like the Costa del Sol, Costa Cálida, and Costa Blanca:
Regional Holidays in Costa del Sol (Andalusia)
1. Andalusia Day (Día de Andalucía) – February 28
• Celebrates the autonomy of Andalusia with parades, cultural events, and Andalusian flags decorating homes and public spaces.
2. Holy Week (Semana Santa) – April (Dates Vary)
• Cities like Málaga host grand processions with elaborate floats, a highlight of Andalusia’s cultural calendar.
3. Málaga Fair (Feria de Málaga) – Mid-August
• A week-long festival featuring traditional music, flamenco dancing, and local food.
4. La Virgen del Carmen – July 16
• A maritime festival honoring the patron saint of fishermen. Towns along the Costa del Sol hold processions where statues of the Virgin are carried to the sea.
Regional Holidays in Costa Cálida (Murcia)
5. Murcia Day (Día de la Región de Murcia) – June 9
• Marks the establishment of the region’s autonomy, celebrated with cultural exhibitions and fireworks.
6. Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) – Late April
• A unique, humorous festival in Murcia City marking the end of Easter, with parades and symbolic “burying” of a sardine.
7. Cartagena’s Roman and Carthaginian Festival – Late September
• A historical reenactment celebrating the region’s ancient Roman and Carthaginian heritage.
8. Festival of the Virgin of the Rosary – October 7
• A religious celebration in coastal towns, with processions and events dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Regional Holidays in Costa Blanca (Valencian Community)
9. Valencian Day (Día de la Comunidad Valenciana) – October 9
• Celebrates the region’s autonomy with parades, fireworks, and the exchange of marzipan candies called “mocadorà.”
10. Bonfires of Saint John (Hogueras de San Juan) – June 23-24
• A spectacular festival in Alicante featuring bonfires, fireworks, and the symbolic burning of giant papier-mâché sculptures.
11. Moors and Christians Festival – Dates Vary
• Held in towns like Alcoy and Villajoyosa, this festival features parades and reenactments of historic battles between Moors and Christians.
12. Dénia’s Bous a la Mar (Bulls to the Sea) – Early July
• A traditional festival where bulls are released into the streets and encouraged to leap into the sea, a spectacle unique to Dénia.
These holidays may affect opening hours of businesses and public services in specific regions.
Local holidays celebrate a town or city’s patron saint, historical events, or unique traditions. Examples include:
• San Fermín Festival in Pamplona: July 7
• Famous for its exhilarating bull runs.
• La Tomatina in Buñol: Last Wednesday of August
• A vibrant tomato-throwing festival that attracts visitors worldwide.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week):
• Celebrated differently across cities like Seville, Málaga, and Granada, with elaborate processions and religious traditions.
1. Plan Ahead:
During red days, public transportation operates on reduced schedules, and many businesses close.
2. Check Local Schedules:
Each town’s holiday calendar can vary, so confirm dates for regional and local events.
3. Embrace the Celebrations:
Join in local festivities to experience Spanish culture authentically.
4. Secure Insurance for Travel and Property:
During popular holidays, such as Semana Santa or Christmas, unexpected events like accidents or travel disruptions are more likely. 247 Expat Insurance, as an exclusive agent for Caser Insurance, offers comprehensive travel and home insurance to keep you covered.
Spain’s blend of national, regional, and local holidays showcases its cultural richness and diversity. By understanding the significance of these “red days,” you can plan better and participate in celebrations across the country.
For peace of mind during holidays or any time of the year, contact 247 Expat Insurance to explore tailored insurance solutions, including travel and property coverage through Caser Insurance.