Spain: National Holidays
The following are the nationwide public holidays common across Spain (holidays marked with "◎" are movable holidays that change dates every year).
In addition to the national holidays listed above, each regional government designates its own public holidays.
Here, we cover the holidays for Madrid (Community of Madrid) and Barcelona (Catalonia).
Please note that these holidays are determined annually by local governments and are subject to minor variations.
Holidays in Madrid City (Community of Madrid)
Holidays in Barcelona City (Catalonia)
Overview of Public Holidays in Spain
National Holidays
- Epiphany (Three Kings' Day)
Commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men (Magi) to Bethlehem, guided by a star, to worship the newborn Jesus. This visit symbolizes the manifestation (epiphany) of Jesus to all peoples of the world.
*While it is not strictly a mandatory national holiday, all regional governments individually designate this day as a public holiday. - Good Friday
The Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday. A Christian holiday observing the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. - Assumption of Mary
A Catholic feast day commemorating the departure of the Virgin Mary from this life and the assumption of her body and soul into heaven. - National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)
Celebrates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492, which laid the foundation for Spain's global power through subsequent colonial expansion. - All Saints' Day
A Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints and martyrs. - Constitution Day
Commemorates the approval of the current Spanish Constitution by referendum on December 6, 1978. - Immaculate Conception
A Catholic feast day celebrating the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne.
Holidays in Madrid City (Community of Madrid)
- Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
A public holiday in the Community of Madrid.
Falling three days before Easter Sunday, it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It is also associated with the washing of the feet episode.
In Madrid, a long holiday weekend typically begins on this day. - Day of the Community of Madrid
Commemorates the Dos de Mayo Uprising on May 2, 1808, which marked the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence. - Fiesta de San Isidro
A public holiday in Madrid City.
Honors Saint Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of the city of Madrid. - Fiesta de la Almudena
A public holiday in Madrid City.
Honors the Virgin of Almudena, the female patron saint of the city of Madrid.
Holidays in Barcelona City (Catalonia)
- Easter Monday
A public holiday in Catalonia.
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a movable holiday. - Whit Monday (Second Easter / Pascua Granada)
A public holiday in Barcelona City.
Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ after his resurrection and ascension, occurring 50 days after Easter. - St. John's Day (Sant Joan)
A public holiday in Catalonia.
"Sant Joan" is the Catalan name for Saint John. This holiday celebrates Saint John the Baptist, a major patron figure in Barcelona. - National Day of Catalonia (La Diada)
The official national day of Catalonia, an autonomous community with a population of approximately 7.36 million, with Barcelona as its capital. - La Mercè (Festival of Our Lady of Mercy)
A public holiday in Barcelona City.
Barcelona's largest annual street festival is held around this date. Our Lady of Mercy (Mare de Déu de la Mercè) is the patron saint of Barcelona. - St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day / Sant Esteve)
A public holiday in Catalonia.
"Sant Esteve" is the Catalan name for Saint Stephen. In the Christian tradition, December 26 (the day after Christmas) is dedicated to Saint Stephen.
Spain's National Flag & Anthem
National Flag
The national flag of Spain features the coat of arms centered on a red and yellow background.
National Anthem
The national anthem of Spain is the "Marcha Real" (Royal March).
As it was originally composed as a military march, it has no official lyrics and remains a melody-only national anthem. Although multiple attempts have been made to add lyrics, a national consensus on the wording has never been reached.