Looking to explore Spain’s amazing culture? If you love festivals, history, and great food, Spain’s holidays are a fun way to do it.
You might not know where to start, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
- Epiphany (Día de Reyes)
- National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)
- Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
- Christmas celebrations
Keep reading to find out more about these exciting holidays. Picture yourself at fun parades, eating tasty food, and making awesome memories.
By the end, you’ll know which holidays to enjoy in Spain. Let’s get started!
1. Holidays in Spain: Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
Time & Location: Constitution Day is on December 6 each year. It marks the day in 1978 when Spain became a democracy after the rule of Francisco Franco.
King Juan Carlos I signed the Constitution on December 27. It became law on December 29. If the holiday is on a Sunday, it may move to another day. If it’s on a Tuesday or Thursday, people often take a long weekend.
Event Details: This holiday honors the Spanish Constitution of 1978. It replaced the old laws from Franco’s time. Most political groups agreed to it, and 88% of people voted for it.
Before the day, schools teach about the Constitution. Some students are picked to read it in Parliament. The building is open to visitors, and a special event is held on December 6.
It’s a quiet holiday in Spain. Families usually stay home and relax. Most shops and offices are closed. Transport services run less often, especially outside big cities.
Important symbols include the signed Constitution and the national flag. The flag has two red stripes with a wider yellow stripe in the middle. People display it on homes, buildings, and buses.
2. Holidays in Spain: Epiphany (Día de Reyes)
Time & Location: Epiphany, also called Día de Reyes, is one of the holidays celebrated in Spain on January 6 each year. If January 6 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is moved to the next Monday in some regions of Spain.
Event Details: Epiphany marks the visit of the Three Kings—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—who brought gifts to baby Jesus. The Kings gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They arrived on a horse, camel, and elephant.
On the evening of January 5, children in Spain clean their shoes and leave them out, hoping that the Kings will fill them with gifts. If a child has been bad, they may find black candy, made to look like coal, instead of presents.
Many towns in Spain hold parades on January 5 to celebrate the Kings’ arrival. The Kings ride through the streets on animals and throw sweets and toys to the crowds. The oldest parade, in Alcoy, has been held since 1885.
Families leave snacks and drinks for the Kings and their animals. A special cake, Roscón de Reyes, is popular during this time. In Catalonia, it’s called Tortell de Reis, and in Mexico, it’s known as Rosca de Reyes.
While gifts were traditionally given only on Epiphany, many people now exchange gifts on both Christmas and Epiphany.
Epiphany is also an important Christian holiday. It celebrates the day when Jesus was revealed as the Son of God. This holiday is also known as the Twelfth Day of Christmas, as it falls twelve days after Christmas Day.
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3. Holidays in Spain: National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)
Time & Location: The National Day of Spain is celebrated on October 12 every year. It is an important public holiday in Spain.
Event Details: National Day is a time for Spain holidays to honor the country’s history and achievements. The holiday celebrates the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492. This day marks an important chapter in Spain’s global influence, especially in America.
In Madrid, a grand military parade takes place, with the Spanish royal family and top government officials present. The highlight of the event is the flyover by fighter jets, painting the sky in Spain’s national red and yellow colors.
Across other cities and towns, holidays celebrated in Spain often include festivals, cultural performances, and various activities. For many Spaniards, it is a time to reflect on their nation’s identity and its place in the modern world. As a day off from work, it also brings families together to share in the celebrations.
4. Holidays in Spain: Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
Time & Location: Labor Day, also called Día del Trabajador, is celebrated in Spain on May 1st every year. The holiday has been observed since 1889.
Event Details: Labor Day in Spain is a day to honor workers and their rights. Over the years, how the holiday is celebrated in Spain has changed. During the Francoist period, it was banned. But in 1978, Spain reinstated it as a national holiday.
Now, holidays celebrated in Spain like Labor Day include parades and protests. People gather to celebrate workers’ achievements and push for more rights. On this day, many businesses and schools are closed. Workers often join rallies to show support for the labor movement.
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5. Holidays in Spain: Christmas
Time & Location: Christmas is a special time in Spain. The holidays in Spain begin in mid-December and last until January 6th.
Event Details: One of the main holidays celebrated in Spain is Christmas. It kicks off on December 22nd with the National Christmas Lottery, called “El Gordo.” Many people across the country watch the lottery, and children sing the winning numbers in a special chant. When people win, they celebrate in the streets.
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, families enjoy big meals. They eat special dishes like Ibérico ham, seafood, roast meats, and sweet treats such as Turrón and marzipan. Many restaurants in Spain offer special menus for the night.
The Christmas lights are another big tradition during the holidays in Spain. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga are known for their stunning decorations. It’s common to walk through Christmas markets and look at Nativity scenes, adding to the holiday joy.
On New Year’s Eve, celebrated in Spain, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight. This tradition involves eating one grape with each chime of the clock to bring good luck for the year ahead. You can enjoy this tradition live at Puerta del Sol in Madrid or watch it on TV.
On January 6th, the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, bring gifts to the children. Before the big day, kids write letters to the Wise Men, asking for presents. Special mailboxes are placed around Spain for sending the letters. On the evening of January 5th, the Wise Men arrive in parades, and children can’t wait for the morning to open their gifts.
Another tradition celebrated in Spain is Las Posadas. This tradition remembers Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. For nine nights before Christmas Eve, families gather to reenact this journey.
Holidays in Spain: A Recap
Holidays in Spain are a wonderful way to enjoy the country’s traditions. These Spain holidays bring people together through food, music, and fun activities. Each holiday celebrated in Spain has its special meaning, reflecting what is important to the people.
From Christmas to national days like Día de la Hispanidad, Spain’s holidays are full of excitement. These occasions are not only about celebration but also about spending time with loved ones and appreciating the country’s rich culture. Holidays in Spain offer moments to create lasting memories and honor long-standing traditions.