What are the holidays in Spain?

What are the holidays in Spain?

Spain is a country with a great culture and many traditions, and one of the best ways to experience this is through its holidays. There are many different traditions, from national celebrations to regional festivals, Spain has it all. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most important holidays in Spain and describe what makes them so special.

New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)

New Years Day is the beginning of a fresh start in Spain. People gather with their families and celebrate the arrival of the new year. A popular spanish tradition is eating twelve grapes at midnight. This symbolizes good luck for each month in the upcoming year.

Epiphany (Día de Reyes)

Epiphany also known in Spain as Dia de Reyes is a big holiday in Spain. In this holiday you celebrate the arrival of the three wise men to Bethlehem. For children this holiday is great, they will wait for the arrival of the kings and these kings will give them gifts. Dia de Reyes is a very big holiday in Spain and it will fill the streets and many communities will come together to celebrate this special holiday.

Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

Viernes Santo is a special day in Spain when people celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This holiday is more popular in religious places in Spain. But still, this holiday takes place in many cities and towns all over Spain. Participants are dressed in traditional clothing and carrying statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.

St. George’s Day (Día de Sant Jordi)

Dia de Sant Jordi is a regional holiday only celebrated in Catalonia. This is a really unique tradition, where people exchange books and roses with their loved ones. The streets in Barcelona on this day are filled with vendors selling books and flowers. This creates a festive atmosphere. 

San Juan (Saint John)

San Juan is celebrated in many different regions across Spain. This holiday is all about bonfires, fireworks, and beach parties. Families and friends gather around the flames to have fun, roast marshmallows, and sing songs. In places near the sea, it is very common to take a midnight dive in the sea. It marks the beginning of summer and people believe it will ward off evil spirits. San Juan is also a time for love and romance, often couples exchange vows and wishes over the bonfire together. According to this tradition, this act gives good fortune and makes the bond between lovers stronger.

La Mercè

La Mercè is a holiday that is only celebrated in Barcelona and is quite a unique one. During La Mercè there are many street performances, concerts, and all sorts of other traditional Catalan activities. This holiday is a week-long and during this period it is time for Barcelona to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage and creativity. This holiday takes place in late September, transforming Barcelona into a vibrant hub of activities, artistic performances, and community gatherings. Another highlight of La Mercè is the “Correfoc” or “Fire Run,” where costumed dragons and devils parade through the streets.

San Fermin (Running of the Bulls)

This holiday is undoubtedly one of the most controversial in Spain. The holiday of San Fermin takes place in Pamplona. During this event, participants run alongside bulls through the streets of the city. This event takes place once every year and it starts on July 6th and ends on July 14th. This tradition draws thrill-seekers and spectators from around the world. Each day of this week begins with the traditional Chupinazo, which is a rocket launch that signals the official start of the festival. Throughout the day, locals and visitors come to gather in the city’s plazas to enjoy delicious food and drinks. Often traditional Basque specialties like pintxos and txakoli wine are served during this event. San Fermin is also a time for religious devotion because San Fermin honors the patron saint of Pamplona. The festival ends with a grand final with many fireworks, live concerts, and a ceremonial closing ceremony. This festival is one that you should be part of when you have the chance, this will leave lifelong lasting memories.