HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Spain Public Holidays 2025: Full List and Meanings

Spain has a rich calendar of public holidays, combining national celebrations, religious festivals, and regional traditions. In 2025, the country will observe 12 national holidays, plus regional holidays unique to each autonomous community.

Below, we break down Spain’s public holidays for 2025, explaining their significance and how they are celebrated.

National Public Holidays in Spain for 2025

• January 1 (Wednesday): New Year's Day (Año Nuevo) – A global celebration marking the first day of the new year.

• January 6 (Monday): Epiphany (Día de Reyes) – Known as "Three Kings' Day," this is when Spanish children receive gifts, honoring the journey of the Magi to baby Jesus.

• April 17 (Thursday): Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) – A key event in Holy Week (Semana Santa), commemorating the Last Supper. Many cities hold grand religious processions.

• April 18 (Friday): Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – The most solemn day of Holy Week, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Large-scale processions take place across Spain.

• May 1 (Thursday): Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) – A day celebrating workers' rights and social progress, often accompanied by parades and demonstrations.

• August 15 (Friday): Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen) – A religious feast commemorating the belief that the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. Many towns hold festivities and street fairs.

• October 12 (Sunday): National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España) – Also known as Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad), it marks Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas in 1492. The biggest celebrations occur in Madrid, featuring a military parade attended by the Spanish Royal Family and government officials.

• November 1 (Saturday): All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos) – Families visit cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones, leaving flowers and gathering in remembrance.

• December 6 (Saturday): Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) – Celebrates the approval of Spain’s 1978 Constitution, which restored democracy after Franco’s dictatorship.

• December 8 (Monday): Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) – A Catholic holiday recognizing the belief in the Virgin Mary’s sinless conception. It is particularly significant in Seville, where it kicks off Christmas celebrations.

• December 25 (Thursday): Christmas Day (Navidad) – A time for family gatherings, festive meals, and religious celebrations across Spain.

Notable Long Weekends in 2025

• January 6 (Monday): Epiphany creates a three-day weekend.

• May 1 (Thursday): Many workers take Friday off for an extended break.

• December 8 (Monday): Immaculate Conception offers another long weekend.

Regional Holidays by Autonomous Community (With Explanations)

Andalusia

• February 28 (Friday): Andalusia Day (Día de Andalucía) – Marks the 1980 referendum that granted Andalusia autonomy. Expect parades, concerts, and green-and-white flags decorating the region.

Aragon

• April 23 (Wednesday): Aragon Day (Día de Aragón) – Celebrates the patron saint, St. George, with medieval fairs and historical reenactments.

Asturias

• September 8 (Monday): Day of Asturias (Día de Asturias) – A celebration of Asturias' patron saint, the Virgin of Covadonga, featuring folk music and cider festivals.

Madrid

• May 2 (Friday): Community of Madrid Day (Día de la Comunidad de Madrid) – Celebrates Madrid’s 1808 uprising against Napoleon’s French forces, with military reenactments and official ceremonies.

Ceuta

• August 5 (Tuesday): Virgin of Africa (Virgen de África) – A major religious celebration dedicated to the patron saint of Ceuta.

Melilla

• September 17 (Wednesday): Melilla Day (Día de Melilla) – Marks the foundation of the city in 1497, with official ceremonies and parades.

Conclusion

Spain's public holidays in 2025 provide a mix of cultural, historical, and religious significance. Whether you're a resident planning time off or a visitor looking to experience Spanish traditions, knowing these key dates will help you make the most of the year.