The Spanish love their holidays and celebrations! There are several different public holidays in Madrid throughout the year, each with their own special celebrations. It will be good to have an understanding of the different holidays that the Spanish people celebrate, so you’ll know which days you have off from classes or work and when to prepare for each of these holidays!
Although there is no official religion of Spain, many Spaniards consider themselves Roman Catholic. Therefore, many of the publicly celebrated holidays in Spain are linked to this religion. Another interesting aspect of Spanish holidays are the concept of a puente or “bridge”, an option some Spaniards choose to extend their time off to enjoy the holiday to the fullest! If you’re going to be in Spain during any of the celebrations, enjoy your day off and take part in the festivities if you wish!
January 1st: New Year’s Day
This one is hardly unique to Spain. New Year’s Day takes place on the same day of every year and every year it’s a guaranteed day off! That way everyone and anyone can enjoy all the New Year’s festivities they want around the country. As this day is a big one, it’s a good idea to prepare for nearly everything in your neighbourhood to be closed or at most, be operating on very limited hours.
January 6th: Día de los Reyes
Three Kings’ Day, or Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6th in Spain. This holiday represents the bearing of the gifts from the Three Wise Men to Jesus. In Spain, this holiday is celebrated by giving presents to one another. Christmas is not as big of a deal in Spain, as there is more hype and celebration surrounding Three Kings’ Day. Children in Spain will get a few gifts on Christmas, but the big holiday is Three Kings’ Day. At night, those who celebrate Three Kings’ Day will leave their shoes by the door, in hopes that the Three Kings’ will leave gifts there.
Spaniards also celebrate by cooking a “Roscón de los Reyes” or the Kings’ cake. Inside the cake there is a trinket, often a small baby Jesus. If you find the trinket in your slice of cake, then legend has it that you’ll have good luck for a year. There is also a parade in Madrid, featuring the Three Kings. The Kings’ will throw candy out into the crowds, and party goers will scramble to catch it.
March 19th: San José (Father’s Day)
Dia de San José is not an official holiday in the community of Madrid
Once again this modern day holiday is influenced by it’s Roman Catholic roots. The Día de San José is celebrated on March 19th and marks a time for locals to celebrate the life of Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary. As such, this day has also become Madrid’s official day to celebrate Father’s Day. The holiday is usually celebrated on March 19th.
April 13th & April 20th: Semana Santa
This year, Semana Santa takes place from Palm Sunday April 13th to Holy Friday on April 20th. These dates can change, depending on the year. Throughout this week, several different processions occur to commemorate the death of Jesus. Flowers and candles adorn the churches throughout the city. On Palm Sunday and Holy Wednesday, two of the most important processions occur. The first goes off from the Basilica of San Miguel and the second occurs around the Puerta del Sol.
Typical Spanish dishes such as torrija (a sweet bread dish) and Soldaditos de Pavia (fried codfish) are cooked throughout the week to celebrate. Each region of Spain celebrates Semana Santa a little differently, so if you happen to be outside of Madrid during this week, you’ll be sure to experience something new. To read about the official order of events that will occur during Semana Santa, click here.
May 1st: Día de Trabajador
The history of this holiday is a bit rocky. First originating in 1889, it was outlawed when Spain was ruled by Franco. After this death, this holiday was reinstated and is now celebrated every year. Spanish citizens celebrate this holiday by protesting and advocating for their rights by putting on demonstrations throughout the country. On this day, all workers in Spain are given the day off. This holiday is a celebration of the fact that all workers in Spain have the right to work in proper and safe labor conditions.
