Spain’s calendar is rich with festivals and public holidays that offer immersive cultural and language-learning opportunities. Spain’s calendar includes both national holidays and regional holidays, which are set by the government at different levels. The government, both national and regional, plays a key role in determining the official holiday schedule.
This guide follows a chronological structure, weaving in Spanish Express Theme Weeks such as Las Fallas, Semana Santa, La Tomatina, and others, highlighting the best times for travelers, expats, and learners to experience authentic Spain.
Why Choose Spanish Public Holidays to Travel to Spain?
Spanish public holidays open up experiences you won’t get at any other time of year. Tomato fights, open-air parades, and firework-filled skies bring even quiet towns to life. The calendar of Spanish holidays is filled with unique celebrations and traditions throughout the year. Spanish cities like Barcelona, Menorca, Valencia, Cádiz, Burgos, Cáceres, Sevilla, and beyond fill their streets with music, food, and traditional observances that reflect each region’s character.
Each of these regions has its own unique customs and ways of celebrating, making every destination distinct. Visitors can walk along sunlit beach promenades in Menorca island or explore its towns pulsing with color and ritual. You’ll notice Spanish people embracing these traditions, slowing down, restaurants packed with families, and spontaneous events spilling into the streets. Travel during these key dates turns any trip into a deeper cultural encounter, something more than sightseeing. It’s when Spain reveals itself best.
January
January 1 – New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo): Celebrated with family or friends gatherings and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. A quiet day where most businesses are closed, similar to sundays.
January 6 – Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos): Children and adults receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. Streets fill with parades (Cabalgata) on January 5.
March
March 15–19 – Las Fallas (Valencia):
Spanish Express Theme Week
A fiery celebration honoring Saint Joseph, with giant effigies (ninots), fireworks, parades, and music. A must-visit for visual and cultural immersion.
Late March / Early April – Semana Santa (Holy Week):
Spanish Express Theme Week
Spain’s most solemn and spiritual holiday, with elaborate processions in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Cádiz, Burgos, Cáceres and specially Sevilla. Great for understanding religious vocabulary, regional accents, and social traditions.
April
April 23 – Sant Jordi (Catalonia):
Spanish Express Theme Week
Catalonia’s day of books and roses. Couples exchange books and roses, and literary fairs fill the streets of Barcelona. Ideal for learners interested in Spanish and Catalan culture.
May
May 1 – Labor Day (Día del Trabajador): Nationwide holiday celebrating workers’ rights. A day of rest or protest.
May 15 – San Isidro (Madrid): Madrid’s patron saint day, celebrated with chulapo costumes, music, and picnics in the parks.
June
June 23–24 – San Juan (Noche de San Juan):
San Juan marks the summer solstice with bonfires, fireworks, and sea rituals along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. In Menorca, the Ciutadella Sant Joan festival is unique: Menorcan horses take center stage, parading through the streets with riders called “caixers” (knights).
July
July 25 – St. James’ Day (Santiago Apóstol): Patron saint of Spain and Galicia. The climax of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela.
August
August 15 – Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen): Religious processions, especially in rural Spain.
Last Wednesday of August – La Tomatina (Buñol, Valencia):
La Tomatina is a massive tomato fight that takes place on the last Wednesday of August. Thousands gather to participate in this world-famous event, which lasts for about an hour, turning the streets into a vibrant and chaotic battleground. A light-hearted cultural spectacle with deep local pride.
September
September 20 – World Paella Day (Valencia):
Spanish Express Theme Week
A global celebration of Spain’s signature dish. Great for food lovers and Spanish vocabulary around ingredients and cooking.
September 24 – La Mercè (Barcelona):
Spanish Express Theme Week
Barcelona’s biggest street party honoring its patron saint. Human towers (castellers), fireworks, and concerts take over the city.
October
October 12 – Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad):
Spanish Express Theme Week
National Day of Spain, commemorating Columbus’ voyage. Celebrated with military parades and cultural reflection.
November
November 1 – All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos): Families honor loved ones by visiting cemeteries and offering flowers.
December
December 6 – Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución): Marks Spain’s 1978 democratic constitution.
December 8 – Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción): Important Catholic feast day.
December 25 – Christmas (Navidad): Family-focused, with festive dinners and carols. Streets and homes are decorated with colorful lights, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. In Spain, gifts are usually exchanged later, on Epiphany (January 6).
December 25 – New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja): Celebrated with parties and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight, one with each chime of the clock, for good luck in the year ahead.
Cultural Insights and Travel Tips
Spain’s culture comes alive through its festivals, parades, and traditions, each city adding its own rhythm to the national heartbeat. If you’re visiting one of our seven destinations, here are highlights not to miss:
- Barcelona – The city bursts with creativity during La Mercè Festival each September, featuring human towers (“castells”), fire runs, and music filling the streets. Summer also brings neighborhood “fiestas mayores,” where locals gather in decorated streets for concerts and dancing.
- Menorca – The island’s Sant Joan Festival in Ciutadella is world-famous. Riders dressed in traditional costume parade through packed streets on magnificent horses, while the celebrations continue with music, fireworks, and beach gatherings.
- Valencia – Known worldwide for Las Fallas in March, when enormous artistic monuments are set ablaze, Valencia also hosts lively food and music events year-round. Visitors can enjoy open-air dining and beach fiestas during warmer months.
- Cádiz – Few celebrations compare to the Carnival of Cádiz, a spectacular event and one of Spain’s most spirited festivals. Expect satirical musical groups, parades, and non-stop energy that lasts well into the night. Summer brings open-air flamenco shows and seaside festivities.
- Sevilla – The city shines during Feria de Abril, with women in flamenco dresses leading parades of horses and carriages. At night, the casetas (tents) become centers of music, dancing, and traditional tapas. Semana Santa processions here are also among the most moving in Spain.
- Cáceres – A UNESCO World Heritage city where medieval streets host Semana Santa processions by torchlight, creating a mystical atmosphere. In spring, the WOMAD Festival (World of Music, Arts and Dance) transforms the old town into an international cultural stage.
- Burgos – Known for its Gothic cathedral, Burgos also celebrates San Pedro and San Pablo Festival in late June with parades, concerts, fireworks, and medieval reenactments that bring history to life. Autumn fairs often feature local wine and gastronomy events.
Wherever you go, Spain’s holidays are more than dates on a calendar—they’re moments where history, music, and community transform entire cities into stages of celebration.
What are the main holidays in Spain?
New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Semana Santa, Labor Day, Assumption Day, National Day, All Saints’ Day, Constitution Day, and Christmas are considered the essential national holidays, observed across Spain. In addition to these, regional holidays are set by local governments and vary by area, often coinciding with local festivals. Depending on the region, two or more regional holidays are added to the calendar, making each city’s observances slightly different.
What is the biggest holiday in Spain?
Semana Santa holds the most cultural weight. It stretches across an entire week, involves thousands of people in every town and city, and draws massive crowds. Streets are filled with hooded processions, religious music, and candlelit silence. The depth of emotion and participation make it the largest event in the country.
What is Spain’s national holiday?
Spain’s national holiday is October 12, celebrated as Día de la Hispanidad. It marks the date of Columbus’s voyage in 1492 and includes military parades, official speeches, and patriotic displays across the country. Madrid hosts the main state event, attended by the royal family.
What festivals are in Spain?
Spain is known for its energetic festivals like Las Fallas, La Tomatina, La Mercè, San Fermín, Carnival, and many more. Each region hosts its own unique events that vary by season, landscape, and local culture. The variety spans from beach fire rituals to highland pilgrimages.
The timing of when a holiday falls, whether on a Thursday, Friday, Monday, or Sunda,y can significantly influence how festivals and public holidays are celebrated in Spain. When a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, many people take the adjacent Friday or Monday off to create a long weekend, known as a ‘puente.’ This practice extends time off, encourages travel, and can affect business hours and local festivities. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, regional authorities may move the day off to Monday, ensuring workers still benefit from the break. These variations in the holiday calendar play a key role in shaping local celebrations and travel patterns across the country.
How many public holidays are there in Spain in 2025?
Most areas will observe 14 public holidays: 8 nationwide, 4 regional holidays set by local governments, and 2 assigned by local councils. Cities like Valencia or Barcelona may celebrate additional local events depending on the municipal calendar.
What are the high holidays in 2025?
Major holidays fall on Easter weekend (April 18–21), August 15 (Assumption), November 1 (All Saints), and December 25 (Christmas). Many residents plan family trips or short breaks around these dates, and closures affect banks, town halls, and most shops.
What is the 90 day rule in Spain 2025?
The rule remains in place. Non-EU visitors, including UK citizens, can stay in Spain for 90 days within any 180-day period. Exceeding that time without a visa leads to entry bans or penalties. It’s a key rule for anyone planning long stays or digital nomad stints.
Is it worth moving to Spain in 2025?
Living in Spain offers a slower rhythm, strong community ties, and regular breaks for celebration. With the calendar full of cultural events and long weekends, it’s easier to build social connections, enjoy local food, and experience real life outside of work. 2025 is a good time to make the move, especially for those seeking lifestyle over stress.
