Red Days in Spain
In Spain, "red days"(días rojos) are public holidays that are typically marked in red on calendars. These are days when most businesses and public offices are closed, and people celebrate with traditions and events. Spain has a strong Catholic heritage, and many red days originate from the liturgical or church calendar and deeply rooted in Catholic traditions, a schedule used by churches. Some holidays celebrate significant historical events, like Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.
What are the different types of Red Days?
National Holidays:
These are observed across all of Spain.
If a National Holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is often observed as a public holiday. This can vary by region, so it’s a good idea to confirm locally.
| Date |
Name |
Info |
| January 1 |
New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) |
Marks the beginning of the calendar year. |
| January 6 |
Epiphany (La Epifanía del Señor) |
Commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men, traditionally celebrated with parades and gift-giving. |
| Friday before Easter |
Good Friday (Viernes Santo) |
Part of Semana Santa, with religious processions leading up to Easter Sunday. |
| May 1 |
Labor Day (Fiesta del Trabajo) |
Celebrates workers' rights and is a public holiday throughout Europe. |
| August 15 |
Assumption of Mary (La Asunción de la Virgen) |
A Catholic feast day celebrating the Virgin Mary being taken to heaven. |
| October 12 |
National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España) |
Commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. |
| November 1 |
All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) |
A day to honor and remember deceased loved ones, often celebrated with cemetery visits. |
| December 6 |
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) |
Marks the approval of Spain’s democratic constitution in 1978. |
| December 8 |
Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción) |
A Catholic feast day celebrating the belief in the Virgin Mary’s sinless conception. |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day (Día de Navidad) |
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, often a quiet day for family gatherings and meals. The day after Christmas is treated as a regular workday. |
| December 31 |
New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) |
While not an official public holiday, it’s widely celebrated with traditions like eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. |
Regional Holidays:
Each autonomous community in Spain has its own unique public holidays.
For example, my region is Andalusia so this region celebrates :
| Date |
Name |
Info |
| February 28 |
Andalusia Day (Día de Andalucía) |
It's a day of Andalusian pride, with people displaying the green-and-white Andalusian flag, enjoying traditional foods, and participating in cultural events. Celebrates Andalusia’s autonomy, granted in 1980. |
| Various Dates |
Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) |
Particularly significant in Andalusia, with elaborate religious processions leading up to Easter Sunday. |
Local Holidays:
Specific towns and cities may also have their own red days to honour local patron saints or events. For instance, my local towns have:
| Date |
Location |
Name |
Info |
| May 3 |
Almanzora |
May Cross (Cruz de Mayo) |
This festival involves the decoration of crosses with flowers and various local festivities. |
| September 7-8 |
Albox |
Pilgrimage to El Saliente (Romería al Santuario del Saliente) |
A significant religious pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Saliente. A cherished event to participate in when possible. |
| January 17 |
Cantoria |
Saint Anton (San Antón) |
Observed with traditional bonfires known as "carretillas." This is a WILD one to experience! |
| First Week of November |
Cantoria |
Fair and Festival of All Saints (Feria de Todos los Santos) |
Originally an important cattle fair, now a major local festival with various activities and traditions. |
These local holidays are deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of each town, offering unique experiences that reflect their rich heritage.
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