November 25, 2020 
Spain observes and celebrates a sizeable number of holidays throughout the year. Most of these, however, are regional holidays, celebrated only by select few provinces or even cities.
Should your foreign business have a presence in Spain, it is important to keep on top of all public holidays from a HR compliance perspective. For ease, we’ve summarised the national public holidays that are observed throughout the country in 2021. Read on to find out more about them.
January
1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day | Día de Año Nuevo
Similarly to many other countries around the world, New Year’s Day is a public holiday right across Spain.
6 January | Wednesday | Epiphany | Reyes
This is a typical event in Spain, known by the locals as ‘Reyes’. It symbolises the three magic king’s adoration towards baby Jesus.
May
1 May | Saturday | Labour Day / Día del Trabajador
The 1st of May is International Workers Day, and is the commemoration of the world labour movement.
August
15 August | Sunday | Assumption | Asunción
This national holiday marks the day Mary rose to Heaven, known as her Assumption, also observed in France.
October
12 October | Tuesday | National Day | Fiesta de la Hispanidad
The 12th of October is Spain’s national holiday, commemorating Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas (Cristobal Colon in Spanish).
November
1 November | Monday | Allsaints Day | Día de Todos los Santos
Allsaints Day is celebrated all across Spain, as well as in France, and is another Christian holiday.
December
6 December | Monday | Constitution Day | Día de la Constitución
Marks the day that they implemented the Spanish Constitution.
8 December | Wednesday | Immaculate Conception | Inmaculada Concepción
Celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
25 December | Saturday | Christmas Day | Día de Navidad
Once again, very similarly to many countries across the globe, Christmas Day is a holiday right across Spain, and decorations can be found both in people’s home and in the workplace.
Each country celebrates its own distinct holidays, which not only affect businesses but also their culture. These celebrations are in fact a colourful demonstration of a nation’s cultural values and customs. Understanding and observing these is one of the key aspects of intercultural communication and awareness.
