Spanish holidays know no time limits. Some of them can be just one day, while others last for a whole week or even more.
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Spanish holidays know no time limits. Some of them can be just one day, while others last for a whole week or even more. The way of life and culture of the Spaniards visibly differ by region, which is manifested in traditions, dances, music and holidays. Any city, region or even city district can have its own traditional holidays, which are both regional and religious.
Spanish law stipulates that each region of the country can have no more than fourteen public holidays per year. Nine days are considered public holidays, and at least two holidays must be regional holidays.
Having decided to go to Spain, tourists should learn about the main festivals of this country. After all, there is nothing more interesting than to witness the traditions and rituals of another culture.
The most popular New Year's tradition in Spain is eating 12 grapes to the sound of chimes on New Year's Eve. Eating every grape, it is customary to make a wish. Recently, in Spain, it is customary to wear red underwear for the New Year. Red is believed to bring happiness.
Epiphany, Magician Kings Day
This religious holiday is associated with the birth of Jesus. On this day in Spain they celebrate the feast of the Appearance of the Three Holy Magi - Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar. According to tradition, it is on this day that children receive gifts for their merits made during the year.
Carnival in Spain
Date: February
Carnivals are held in many Spanish cities. Not everywhere it is done the same way, but in all regions it is noisy and fun. In different parts of the country, the carnival can be held on different days during the whole month. The carnival in the town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered the largest on merit. This is the first European and the second world most popular carnival after the Brazilian one.
Also notable is the carnival in Sitges, which is famous for its so-called "debauchery parade".
Carnivals are very interesting in the northern region of Navarre, where they are considered "rural" pagan events.
Carnival in Tenerife, like the carnival in Aguilas, is considered an international tourist festival. Tourists from all over the world rush to get there.
Andalusia Day
This holiday is celebrated on February 28, in honor of the referendum held in 1980, following which Andalusia was granted the status of an autonomous community. In some cities of the region, schools are closed for the “Week of Culture”. On the Friday before the holiday, educational institutions serve a traditional Andalusian breakfast - orange juice and a slice of bread drizzled with olive oil.
Saint Joseph's Day
San Jose is the patron saint of carpenters. This holiday is celebrated in Valencia, Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Galicia, Murcia and Castile, Rioja, Navarre, Extremadura. A celebration in honor of the patron saint of San José is also held in some cities of the Valencian Society.
In addition, Father's Day is also celebrated on March 19th. However, this holiday is considered more family.
Las Fayas
Las Faias is the most famous and popular festival in Valencia, the basis of which is a competition to create the best figure. This holiday originates from the Spanish celebration of St. Joseph's Day. Officially, the holiday begins to be celebrated on the last Sunday of February, after the welcoming "Creeds" and the mayor of Valencia, the main fire of the city, gives the keys to the city.
From this period, exactly at lunchtime, in front of the city hall on Ayunatmiento Square, noise fireworks of the “masklet” take place every day, Valencians in national rich outfits march around the city.
Holy Week and Easter
Date: March-April
Semana Santa in Spain is a mini-holiday and a religious holiday for the entire state. Time for rest and travel for locals. The official holiday falls on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. In some parts of Spain, Easter Monday is also a holiday.
During Passion Week, religious processions are held in every city. In Spain, the most expressive processions during the Semana Santa period are the celebrations in Seville, the capital of Andalusia.
Fair in Seville
2 weeks after Easter
During the fair, the inhabitants of Spain put on national costumes, while defiling through the streets in old carriages or on horseback. In the cities there are numerous attractions and performances, in the tent camp you can taste sherry, delicious Andalusian cuisine, sweets or wine.
Spaniards are temperamental and cheerful people. They celebrate holidays brightly and spectacularly. August in Spain attracts tourists not only with the hot sun, but also with its grandiose festivals.
August 4 is a holiday called Arriondans or Day of Asturias. On August 4, 1982, Asturias gained autonomy. It is still called the principality. On this day, Asturias received the right to independently make legislative decisions in matters of education, health and environmental protection. Perhaps that is why the northern province of Spain managed to preserve islands of nature untouched by man. The tradition of the holiday is a mass descent down the river in a canoe.
August is traditionally a holiday month in Spain, and bullfights are held in many cities and provinces (Malaga, Huelva, Almeria, Linares (Jaén), Motril (Granada), Bilbao, Vitoria, San Sebastian and Madrid. Bullfighting has become a symbol of the country's cultural heritage. The bullfight turns into a real performance.Corrida is not a native Spanish holiday.Its history begins in ancient Greece, where the bull was worshiped as a symbol of strength and power.The holiday came to Spain in the 18th century.For the first time, a bullfighter named Francisco Romero fought with a bull. Bullfighting is now in danger of being cancelled, the first social animal protection movements appeared at the end of the 20th century and bullfighting has already been abolished in some provinces (Catalonia).
August 15 - holiday Ascension of Our Lady. According to the Catholic faith, on this day the soul and body of the Holy Virgin Mary ascended to heaven after her death. According to legend, after opening her grave, a bouquet of roses was found in the coffin. On August 15, religious services are held in Spain. On this day, it is customary to stage a theatrical performance. The most beautiful is the production taking place in the province of Alicante. What is impressive is that the roles are played by actors of different ages. The Blessed Virgin Mary is performed by children. All the action takes place with live music and the ringing of bells. The applause on this day does not subside. The performance ends with the crowning of Mary. The celebration continues with folk festivals.
since August 16 is celebrated Big week in Bilbao. The holiday lasts nine days. This week the city turns into a bright noisy siesta. Theatrical performances take place, music plays everywhere, accompanied by dances and fireworks. The heroine of this holiday is a fat stuffed doll called Marihaya (translated as "dancing fat woman").
August 16 - the feast of San Roque (Saint Roque) in the city of Vigo. The inhabitants of this city annually lay a huge table on the streets. The treat of this day is seafood: octopus, squid, etc. It is believed that if you ask Saint Roque on August 16 for health, he will definitely hear and help.
Tomatina. This holiday is celebrated in the Spanish city of Bunol in the last week of August. Its peculiarity is the fight with tomatoes. The tradition dates back to the reign of the dictator Franco. The battle of tomatoes is a protest against the regime of a tyrant and a dictator. Thousands and thousands of tourists come to Spain to take part in tomato fights. A fun battle with tomatoes is the final part of the week-long celebration and lasts only an hour. Throughout the week, bright festivals are held, accompanied by dances, musical numbers, a spectacular parade and fireworks.
The most attractive time to visit Spain is the colorful and vibrant month of May, when everything is blooming and smelling. Summer is already on the outskirts and its presence is felt everywhere. It is during this period that a very interesting fair is held - the horse fair.
Photo: Horse Fair in Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera, the equestrian capital of Andalusia, hosts a fascinating and unique Horse Fair. This event has long been included in the list of the most extravagant and interesting holidays in the world. Among the most notable events are:
To become a participant in such an event, you should try and book a place to stay. And this should be done a few weeks before the start of the celebration.
You can see how the horse fair goes in this video:
For three days in one Spanish city - Cáceres, an exciting festival of world music, art and dance (WOMAD) is held. From all corners of the planet, musicians of various levels flock and take the same stage to show their skills to a huge audience for three days. All concerts are held on one of the most interesting medieval squares in the city.
Photo: Patio – Backyard Competition in Spain You will not find a similar event in any country. For two weeks in Cordoba, a competition is held for the best private yard. It is during this time in Córdoba that the best courtyards are open to graying by the public. The patio-backyard competition (Concurso de Patios Cordobeses) allows everyone to see the hidden part of Cordoba, which is inaccessible to prying eyes the rest of the time. For two weeks, the courtyards of private estates have been presented for public viewing in all their glory - they are strewn with various flowers, colorfully painted.
In early May, Muslim pirates invade the territory of Soller, which is located in the northern part of Mallorca. A similar battle, which is displayed in an impromptu battle, fully tells and recreates the sad battle that took place in the 16th century when the city was attacked. The townspeople are fighting impromptu invaders and it is a pleasure to watch such a performance.
Photo: Feast of Saint Isidore in Madrid This is one of the main holidays of the capital of Spain - Madrid. Its holding is dedicated to the heavenly patron of the city, who has been valued and revered since ancient times. On this day, a huge number of events are held, including:
Some events that start on this holiday last for a month, such as bullfighting. During the celebration, all local residents dress up in national costumes and participate with joy and rapture in all events. To visit such a holiday for a tourist is a real event.
It seems that the endless pleasant summer does not end, but September comes and the Spaniards have to return to their daily routine and their work. But do not think that with the end of the summer months, the holidays end. September in Spain is also characterized by a large number of festivals throughout the territory, because until the end of September, warm, pleasant weather persists throughout the territory.
Photo: Bienal de Flamenco Festivals dedicated to the national flamenco are held throughout Spain all year round. But there are events about which it is worth talking separately. One of the most prestigious is the festival in Seville. Here it is held in even years, and in odd years it is organized in Malaga. The most famous and famous flamenco dancers from all over the world constantly come here.
In the district of Extremadura there is a beautiful city of Guadalupe. It is in it that the independent feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated. On September 6 and 8, solemn marches are organized around the statue of the saint in the evening. Similar events are held during the celebration of a local holiday dedicated to the district of Extremadura itself.
Photo: Pedro Romero Celebration Throughout the country, the name of the bullfighter Pedro Romero is known. It is to this person that the celebration in the city of Ronda is dedicated. Here, locals celebrate this magical holiday for six days. The highlights of this celebration are:
The city of Logroña celebrates St. Matthew's Day, as well as the Day of the Grape Harvest. On this day, festival participants can taste wine in unlimited quantities, as well as participate in the trampling of grapes with their feet - and this is an integral procedure for preparing this drink.
You can see the main Barcelona holiday in this video:
At the beginning of autumn, the brightest and most famous Barcelona celebration of Merce is held. Throughout the celebration, which lasts 4 days, concerts, fire shows, theatrical performances and much more are held. In a city as unique as Barcelona, fun always reigns, but it cannot be compared with the fun that will surround any visitor to the city during this holiday.
The San Sebastian Film Festival, which takes place over two weeks in the fall, is not as famous as the one in Cannes, but it is also the biggest and most popular event in all of Europe. The festival has been gathering the public since 1957. It is held in the second half of September.
Photo: Festival "Carthaginians and Romans" In the second half of this month, an exciting event is held in Cartagena, based on historical events. The inhabitants of this area put on ancient clothes and try to repeat in great detail the events, or rather the battles that took place between the Romans and the city dwellers. The festival was appropriately named "Carthaginians and Romans". This event is considered the most emotional and bright among all the celebrations dedicated to the events of ancient times.
When, how and what do the Spaniards celebrate? What holidays are weekends in the country, what are not? What are regional holidays and how many are there in Spain? What holidays will be of interest to tourists? Read the answers below and see the calendars of national and regional holidays.
In Spain, there are only 9 national holidays (weekends). However, each region of the country chooses another 3 or 4 days for regional holidays, on which days off are declared within this region.
As a result, there are more than 30 regional holidays in Spain. We will tell about national holidays in detail, and simply list the regional ones. If we began to describe in detail each regional holiday in Spain, then this article would turn into a book. Look for the calendar of regional holidays at the end of this article.
Epiphany Day (January 6) is chosen for the holiday in all 20 regions of Spain. Technically it is regional, in fact it is national.
| 2020 | 2021 | |
| 1st of January | 1st of January | |
| Epiphany (Three Kings Day) | 6th January | 6th January |
| Good Friday* | April 10th | April 2 |
| Easter* | 12th of April | April, 4 |
| Labor Day | 1st of May | 1st of May |
| Assumption of the Virgin | August 15 | August 15 |
| Spain Day | October 12 | October 12 |
| All Saints' Day | Nov. 1 | Nov. 1 |
| Constitution day | December 6 | December 6 |
| Day of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | December 8 |
| Christmas | December 25 | December 25 |
* - The exact date of the Easter week changes every year.
The transfer of weekends in Spain is practiced. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, an additional day off is often assigned on the following Monday. The decision on this issue is made by the regional authorities individually for each day.
In Spanish "Año Nuevo" ("Año Nuevo")
The Spaniards celebrate the New Year in much the same way as the Russians. However, the Spaniards have three very interesting traditions, which we will discuss in detail.
The Spaniards call New Year's Eve "Nochevieja" ("Nochevieja"), literally translated as "old night". They either set the table at home, or go to city squares or city parks.
TV channels show New Year's TV shows, and at midnight broadcast the image of the clock from the square in Madrid.
At first, the bells ring four times, then a pause, then 12 strokes, one for each month of the new year.
The first interesting tradition is associated with these strikes - there is one grape for each strike of the bell. This tradition is over 100 years old. It is believed that in 1909, farmers in the vicinity of Alicante grew a record harvest of grapes. There was nowhere to put the harvest, so they came up with this tradition.
It would seem to eat 12 grapes, what's so difficult? Moreover, the bells do not sound every second, but every 3 seconds. That is, 12 grapes in 36 seconds. Actually, it's not that easy.
They eat Aledo grapes from the Vinalopo Valley in the vicinity of Alicante. These are grapes with seeds. In 3 seconds, you need to not only chew and swallow a grape, but also spit out the seeds. Some Spaniards eat straight with the bones. Some open 12 of their grapes in advance and take out the seeds. The most convenient option is to buy a jar of 12 seedless grapes in a supermarket.
According to Spanish belief, whoever can eat all 12 grapes is guaranteed happiness and good luck for all 12 months of the new year.
The second interesting tradition is to celebrate the New Year in red underwear. Not necessarily in a full red set, you need at least one element - panties, a bra or a garter, even red socks or an undershirt are suitable. Moreover, red underwear for the New Year cannot be bought for oneself, someone must give it. Red in Spain is associated with wealth and good luck.
The third tradition is to drink Cava sparkling wine from Catalonia. A golden ring is placed in a glass, then they drink in one gulp. The main thing here is not to swallow the ring. Whoever swallows is guaranteed failure all year. And here you can’t argue, because the first failure has already taken place.
After the bells are struck, a big salute is arranged. The celebration lasts all night, people walk to the best of their ability and capabilities of the liver. January 1 in Spain, as in Russia, is Hangover Day. Shops, restaurants, cafes are closed on January 1 until noon for sure, and most all day.
New Year's Eve in Spain can be interesting for tourists, just join the celebration: wear red underwear, pour Cava wine and eat 12 grapes. It will be fun.
