Main holidays of Spain

Main holidays of Spain

Life in the capital of Spain is always very active and exciting. Residents of Madrid are very cheerful, and their life is one big party. And of course, it has a lot of national holidays, when the capital is caught in celebration.

The first holiday of the year is the New Year, celebrated on 1 January. Its celebration is exciting and cheerful. The main festivities take place in the center of Madrid (Puerta del Sol). Citizens and guests of the capital have fun, drink champagne and eat 12 grapes that should bring good luck in the coming year.

The New Year is followed by Epiphany (Reyes Magos) – 6 January. This is the most joyous holiday for the children. In Spain, the wonderful festive processions take place on the eve of the holiday. The procession is finished by the carriage with the Magi- the most expected characters, as they give the children toys and sweets.

10.02 Madrid celebrates the Chinese New Year. As this city is full of Chinese communities, the Chinese New Year is celebrated funny and with a bang. In the morning, you can see the spectacular parade on Puerta del Sol.

18 – 19.03 Spain celebrates the Saint Joseph’s Day, or the Father’s Day. On this day, children congratulate their fathers, give them presents and prepare concerts and performances.

23.03 It is a special day for the people of Barcelona – St George’s Day. This holiday is usually related to the legend about how the courageous St George defeated the bloodthirsty dragon to win the heart of the princess. After killing the monster, he gave the princess a beautiful red rose that has grown out of the dragon’s blood. Of course, the hero received the princess’s hand in marriage as a reward. This beautiful legend created the custom to give the girls roses on the 23th of April as a sign of their feelings.

28.03 (the date is not fixed) all faithful Spaniards starts to celebrate the Holy Week. Many religious communities arrange the processions in traditional costumes, which attracts the attention of residents and guests of Madrid.

29.03 (the date is not fixed) is a Holy Friday- the day of Jesus Christ’s death.

01.05 Spanish people celebrate the Labor Day. The celebration of this holiday includes meetings and parades, devoted to the working class.

02.05 Many tourists visit the capital, as it is the Day of Madrid! On this day, the city becomes unrecognizable and even more beautiful. There are different festivals, exhibitions and parades in Madrid and the restaurants solemnly open their doors to the tourists.

10-19.05 Day of St Isidore the Laborer- the patron saint of Madrid. Different festivals, fairs and parades take place on the main squares of the city.

15.08 Spanish Catholics celebrate the Ascension. The worships and church processions take place across the country.

12.10 Spain celebrated its national holiday. Many museums, palaces and monasteries are opened to everybody.

01.11 Madrid celebrates All Saints’ Day, or Halloween. On this day, the city streets plunge into the atmosphere of fun and festivity.

09.11 – The day of Our Lady of Almudena, the patroness of Madrid. This is one of the most important holidays for the residents of Madrid.

06.12 Spain celebrates an important public holiday – Constitution Day. This is an additional day off for Spanish people.

08.12 Church holiday in Spain. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

25.12 As the Catholics of all countries, Spanish people celebrate the most important winter holiday – Christmas. City streets are beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and pictures of Papa Noel – Spanish Santa Claus.