Fiestas! A quick guide to Spain’s national and regional holidays for 2014 from Andalucia to Valencia

January 1st – Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day)

As is customary around the world, Spanish people stay awake until Midnight on December 31st to celebrate the New Year. The focal point of the countdown is the clock tower in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol Square (much like the celebrations in Time Square, New York). It is traditional to eat twelve grapes or “uvas” (one for each clock chime). On the morning of the 1st, people usually gather for a traditional winter breakfast of churros and hot chocolate.

January 6th – Día de Reyes (Day of the Kings / Epiphany)

The Día de Reyes celebrates the biblical story of the three kings’ arrival in Bethlehem. In Spain, the 6th January is as significant as Christmas Day itself, as this is when Spanish children receive Christmas gifts and is an extremely fun tradition. On the evening of the 5th, the three kings pass through the streets on ornately decorated parade floats, throwing sweets to the crowds below.

The three kings leave presents for the children overnight. It is also traditional to share a Roscón –a crown shaped cake, into which a ceramic figurine and a dried broad bean are baked. The person who finds the figurine in their slice wears the crown and will have a year of good luck, while the unlucky finder of the bean must foot the bill for the cake.

April 18th – Viernes Santo (Good Friday)

The Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. On Viernes Santo, it is customary to eat fish and avoid meat dishes. Traditional foods include garlic soup and cod stew.

May 1st – Día Del Trabajador (Labour Day/International Workers’ Day)

In Spain, International Worker’s Day is traditionally used by many trade unions to arrange peaceful protests.

August 15th – Asunción (The Assumption of Mary)

An important feast day in the Catholic Calendar, it is customary for families to come together to prepare an elaborate meal.

November 1st – All Saints’ Day

It is customary to remember and pay tribute to relatives and loved ones who have passed away on this day. In Catalunya, it is also tradition to eat “Panellets”, small sweet desserts.

December 6th – Día Del Constitución (Constitution Day)

Constitution day honours the Constitutional Referendum of 1978. Visitors can enjoy the Open Day at the Spanish Parliament in Madrid.

December 8th – Inmaculada Concepción (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)

An important day in the Catholic calendar, the Inmaculada Concepción marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations. It is a day when many families attend church, eat in local restaurants and browse traditional Christmas markets.

December 25th – Navidad (Christmas Day)

In Spain it is customary to eat a large Christmas meal with family on the evening of the 24th. Traditionally children wait until the 6th of January to receive their presents from the Three Kings, however smaller presents are often exchanged between families on this day also.

In addition to all of the above, there are many regional holidays as follows:

Andalucia

February 28th – Día de Andalucía (Day of Andalusia)

The Día de Andalucía commemorates the day when Andalusia was voted an autonomous community of Spain in 1980.

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus. Andalucía arguably hosts the most extravagant and dramatic parades of all, particularly in Malaga and Seville.

October 13th – Monday after The Fiesta Nacional de España (Monday after Columbus Day)

The Fiesta Nacional de España (also known as Columbus Day), on the 12th October, commemorates Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Traditionally on this day there are a series of military parades and marching ceremonies. This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, therefore many regions have designated the following day a holiday.

Aragón

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

April 23rd – Día de San Jorge/Día de Aragón (St George’s Day / Day of Aragon)

The Día de Aragón commemorates the battle of Alcoraz (in which St George aided the Christian Army to win the battle – he is the Aragonese patron saint). On this day, it is customary to exchange roses and books tied with ribbons bearing the colours of the Aragonese flag.

October 13th – Monday after The Fiesta Nacional de España (Monday after Columbus Day)

The Fiesta Nacional de España (also known as Columbus Day), on the 12th October, commemorates Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Traditionally on this day there are a series of military parades and marching ceremonies. This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, therefore many regions have designated the following day a holiday.

Asturias

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

September 8th – Día de Asturias (Day of Asturias)

Coincides with the day of the Covadonga Virgen (patron saint of Asturias), this day is celebrated with traditional folk music and street parties.

October 13th – Monday after The Fiesta Nacional de España (Monday after Columbus Day).

The Fiesta Nacional de España (also known as Columbus Day), on the 12th October, commemorates Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Traditionally on this day there are a series of military parades and marching ceremonies. This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, therefore many regions have designated the following day a holiday.

Balearic Islands

March 1st – Día de les Illes Balears (Day of the Balearic Islands)

Commemorates the day when the Balearic Islands became an official autonomous community of Spain in 1983.

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus. Palma de Mallorca is particularly known in the Balearics for its dramatic parade leading to the Cathedral.

December 26th – Día de San Esteban (Saint Steven’s Day)

The day after Christmas Day, it is customary for families to come together for a lunch of “Canelones”; stuffed pasta made with the leftovers of the chicken or turkey from the previous day.

Canary Islands

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

May 30th – Día de Canarias (Day of the Canary Islands)

This day commemorates the first session of the autonomous parliament in 1982.

Cantabria

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

July 25th – Santiago Apóstol (Saint James’ Day)

This is the festival of the capital of Cantabria, marked with a whole week of festivities in Santander including ceremonial bullfights.

September 15th – Fiestas de la Virgen de la Bien Aparecida (Festival of the “Bien Aparecida” Virgen)

Festival of the Virgen “La Bien Aparecida”, patroness of Cantabria.

Castilla-la-Mancha

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

April 21st – Lunes de Pascua / Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)

It is traditional for godparents to give una mona (an elaborate chocolate cake) to their godchildren as an Easter gift. Many families enjoy a picnic on this day.

June 19th – Corpus Christi

Regional holiday celebrated by the Catholic Church, marked by processions.

Castilla y León

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus. The celebrations in Salamanca are the oldest in Spain, with 10,000 penitents walking in processions throughout holy week.

April 23rd – Día de Castilla y León (Castile and León Day)

Commemorates the day when Castile and León became an official autonomous community of Spain in 1983. This day also commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Villalar.

October 13th – Monday after The Fiesta Nacional de España (Monday after Columbus Day)

The Fiesta Nacional de España (also known as Columbus Day), on the 12th October, commemorates Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Traditionally on this day there are a series of military parades and marching ceremonies. This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, therefore many regions have designated the following day a holiday.

Catalunya

April 21st – Lunes de Pascua / Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)

It is traditional for godparents to give una mona (an elaborate chocolate cake) to their godchildren as an Easter gift. Many families enjoy a picnic on this day.

April 23rd – La Dia de Sant Jordi / Día de la Rosa / El dia del Libre (Saint George’s Day / The Day of the Rose / The Day of the Book)

This Catalan holiday is similar to Valentine’s Day, in that it is traditional for men to give women roses. Women reciprocate with the gift of a book (“a rose for love and a book forever”). This Catalonian tradition has been adopted by the rest of the world as “World Book Day”. Barcelona is Spain’s publishing capital and the 23rd April also commemorates the deaths of Shakespeare and Cervantes whom both died on this day. It is not a public holiday and businesses usually remain open.

June 24th –Día de San Joan (Nativity of Saint John the Baptist)

This holiday celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist, who foretold the coming of Jesus (and later baptized him). In the evening, families and friends gather to eat “Coca”, a sweet brioche coated in candied fruit with a custard filling. Many people light bonfires and fireworks on the beach.

September 11th – La Diada Nacional de Catalunya (National Day of Catalunya)

On this day, the Catalan community commemorates the loss of their independence from Spain. In the morning, important political figures place flower offerings before the Catalonian flag and monuments. In the afternoon, there are often demonstrations and peaceful protests in the streets, regarding independance.

December 26th – Dia de San Esteban (Saint Steven’s Day)

The day after Christmas Day, it is customary for families to come together for a lunch of “Canelones”; stuffed pasta made with the leftovers of the chicken or turkey from the previous day.

Comunidad Valenciana

March 19th – Día de San José (Saint Joseph’s Day)

In Spain, this is a version of father’s day.

April 21st – Lunes de Pascua / Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)

It is traditional for godparents to give una mona (an elaborate chocolate cake) to their godchildren as an Easter gift. Many families enjoy a picnic on this day.

October 9th – Día de la Comunidad Valenciana (Day of Valencia)

Commemorates the day when King Jaume I conquered the city of Valencia in 1238.

Extremadura

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

September 8th – Día de Extremadura (Day of Extremadura)

Coincides with the religious holiday of the patron saint of the region, the Virgin of Guadalupe. It is commemorated with many parades, street parties, sporting events and celebrations throughout the region.

October 13th – Monday after The Fiesta Nacional de España (Monday after Columbus Day).

The Fiesta Nacional de España (also known as Columbus Day), on the 12th October, commemorates Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. Traditionally on this day there are a series of military parades and marching ceremonies. This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, therefore many regions have designated the following day a holiday.

Galicia

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

May 17th – Día das Letras Galegas (Galician Literature Day)

A public holiday celebrating Galician literature, language and culture.

July 25th – Día Nacional de Galicia / Santiago Apostol (National Day of Galicia/St James’ Day)

This day is dedicated to Saint James, patron saint of Galicia. There are fireworks and street parties throughout the capital.

Madrid

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

May 2nd – Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (The Day of the Autonomous Community of Madrid)

A public holiday marking the anniversary of an uprising against French troops in 1808. There are police and military parades, as well as many street parties across the city.

June 19th – Corpus Christi

Regional holiday celebrated by the Catholic Church, marked by processions.

Murcia

March 19th – Día De San Jose (Saint Joseph’s Day)

In Spain, this is a version of father’s day.

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

June 9th – Día de la Región de Murcia (Day of the Murcia Region)

Commemorates the day when Murcía became an official autonomous community of Spain in 1983.

Navarra

March 19th – Día de San José (Saint Joseph’s Day)

In Spain, this is a version of father’s day.

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

April 21st – Lunes de Pascua / Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)

It is traditional for godparents to give una mona (an elaborate chocolate cake) to their godchildren as an Easter gift. Many families enjoy a picnic on this day.

Basque Country

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

April 21st – Lunes de Pascua / Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)

It is traditional for godparents to give una mona (an elaborate chocolate cake) to their godchildren as an Easter gift. Many families enjoy a picnic on this day.

October 25th – Día del País Vasco / Euskadiko Eguna (Day of the Basque Country)

Commemorates the day when the Basque Country became an official autonomous community of Spain in 1979.

LA RIOJA

April 17th – Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)

Semana Santa (or holy week) is commemorated in cities across Spain, with religious processions through the streets involving elaborate floats carried by many Catholic groups and members of the church. Holy Thursday is the 5th day of holy week, with the processions being more solemn and dramatic on this day. The church bells are tied so that they remain silent (until Easter Day), in remembrance of the death of Jesus.

April 21st – Lunes de Pascua / Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)

It is traditional for godparents to give una mona (an elaborate chocolate cake) to their godchildren as an Easter gift. Many families enjoy a picnic on this day.
June 9th – Día de la Rioja (Day of La Rioja)

Commemorates the day when La Rioja became an official autonomous community of Spain in 1982