Spain: Country Facts

Spain, located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. The capital, Madrid, is a vibrant city renowned for its art, architecture, and culinary scene. With a population exceeding 47 million, Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. It boasts a Mediterranean climate, with popular tourist destinations including Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. Spain has made significant contributions to world literature, art, and science, with iconic figures such as Miguel de Cervantes, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí hailing from its shores.

History of Spain

Pre-Roman Iberia

Ancient Cultures and Early Colonization (circa 5000 BCE – 218 BCE)

Spain’s ancient history is characterized by the presence of diverse cultures and civilizations, including the Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, and Greeks.

Key Figures:

• Tartessians: Ancient civilization of the Iberian Peninsula known for their wealth and trade networks.
• Hannibal: Carthaginian general who famously crossed the Alps with his army during the Second Punic War and invaded the Italian Peninsula.
• Scipio Africanus: Roman general who defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama, securing Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.

Key Events:

• Prehistoric settlements by hunter-gatherer communities in the Iberian Peninsula, leaving behind cave paintings and megalithic monuments.
• Phoenician and Greek colonization along the eastern and southern coasts, establishing trading posts and colonies such as Gadir (modern-day Cádiz) and Emporion (modern-day Empúries).
• Carthaginian conquest of southern Spain and conflicts with Rome, leading to the outbreak of the Second Punic War and the eventual Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula.

Cultural Achievements:

• Development of advanced metallurgy, including bronze and iron tools and weapons, by ancient Iberian civilizations.
• Establishment of urban centers, such as Carthago Nova (modern-day Cartagena) and Tarraco (modern-day Tarragona), by Phoenician and Roman settlers.

Roman Hispania

Conquest and Integration into the Roman Empire (218 BCE – 5th century CE)

Roman rule transformed the Iberian Peninsula, bringing infrastructure, law, and culture to the region and laying the foundation for modern Spain.

Key Figures:

• Julius Caesar: Roman general and statesman who played a crucial role in the conquest of Hispania and the expansion of Roman territory.
• Augustus: First Emperor of Rome, who consolidated Roman control over Hispania and implemented administrative reforms.
• Trajan: Roman Emperor known for his extensive public works projects and conquests, including the annexation of Dacia (modern-day Romania) and parts of Hispania.

Key Events:

• Second Punic War and the defeat of Carthage by Rome, leading to the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
• Romanization of Hispania, including the introduction of Latin language, Roman law, and urban planning, transforming local societies and cultures.
• Construction of roads, aqueducts, and bridges to connect Roman cities and facilitate trade and communication across the peninsula.
• Crisis of the 3rd century and the decline of Roman authority in Hispania, marked by invasions by Germanic tribes such as the Vandals and Suebi.

Cultural Achievements:

• Spread of Christianity throughout Hispania, with the emergence of early Christian communities and martyrs, such as Saint James the Greater, whose tomb in Santiago de Compostela became a major pilgrimage site.
• Flourishing of Roman architecture, sculpture, and literature, evidenced by structures such as the aqueduct of Segovia, the amphitheater of Mérida, and the writings of Seneca and Lucan.

Visigothic Kingdom

Germanic Rule and Christianization (5th – 8th centuries)

The Visigoths, a Germanic tribe, established a kingdom in Hispania after the collapse of Roman authority, blending Roman and Germanic traditions.

Key Figures:

• Alaric I: Visigothic king who sacked Rome in 410 CE and established the Visigothic Kingdom in Gaul and Hispania.
• Reccared I: Visigothic king who converted to Catholicism and enforced the conversion of his subjects, leading to the Councils of Toledo.
• Roderic: Last Visigothic king of Hispania, whose defeat at the Battle of Guadalete in 711 CE marked the beginning of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

Key Events:

• Migration of Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths, Suebi, and Vandals, into the Iberian Peninsula following the decline of Roman authority.
• Conversion of the Visigothic ruling elite to Arian Christianity, followed by the conversion to Catholicism under Reccared I, leading to religious syncretism and conflicts with Arian and Jewish communities.
• Political instability and dynastic struggles within the Visigothic Kingdom, exacerbated by external threats from Byzantine and Frankish powers.

Cultural Achievements:

• Adoption of Roman administrative structures and legal systems by the Visigoths, preserving elements of Roman governance in the post-Roman period.
• Development of Visigothic art and architecture, characterized by ornate metalwork, jewelry, and religious artifacts, as well as the construction of churches and palaces such as the Church of San Juan de Baños.

Islamic Al-Andalus

Muslim Conquest and Golden Age (711 – 1492)

The arrival of Muslim forces from North Africa in 711 CE brought Islam and Arab culture to the Iberian Peninsula, leading to the establishment of Al-Andalus and a period of cultural and scientific flourishing.

Key Figures:

• Tariq ibn Ziyad: Berber general who led the Muslim conquest of Hispania and defeated Visigothic forces at the Battle of Guadalete in 711 CE, paving the way for the establishment of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

• Abd al-Rahman I: Umayyad prince who fled the Abbasid Caliphate and established the Emirate of Cordoba in 756 CE, laying the foundation for the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba.
• Abd al-Rahman III: Caliph of Cordoba who expanded the caliphate’s territory, centralized power, and promoted a golden age of culture, science, and literature.

Key Events:

• 711 CE: Muslim conquest of Hispania by Tariq ibn Ziyad and the defeat of Visigothic forces at the Battle of Guadalete, leading to the establishment of Islamic rule in the region.
• 756 CE: Abd al-Rahman I establishes the Emirate of Cordoba, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in Al-Andalus and the emergence of Cordoba as a cultural and economic center.
• 929 CE: Abd al-Rahman III proclaims himself Caliph of Cordoba, asserting the independence of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba from the Abbasid Caliphate.
• 1031 CE: Fragmentation of the Caliphate of Cordoba into numerous taifa kingdoms following the collapse of central authority, leading to a period of political fragmentation and instability known as the Taifa Period.
• 1085 CE: Christian reconquest of Toledo by King Alfonso VI of Castile, marking the beginning of the gradual Christian reconquest of Al-Andalus.
• 1212 CE: Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, a decisive Christian victory over the Almohad Caliphate, leading to the reconquest of large territories in southern Spain and the weakening of Muslim power in the region.
• 1492 CE: Reconquest of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, marking the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

Cultural Achievements:

• Flourishing of Islamic art, architecture, and literature in Al-Andalus, characterized by iconic landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Alhambra Palace, and the Generalife gardens in Granada.
• Translation and preservation of classical Greek and Roman texts by Muslim scholars, as well as advancements in astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy.
• Coexistence and cultural exchange between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities in Al-Andalus, fostering a unique blend of Islamic, Christian, and Sephardic Jewish culture known as convivencia.

Christian Reconquest

Unification and Expansion of Christian Kingdoms (8th – 15th centuries)

The Christian Reconquest, also known as the Reconquista, saw the gradual reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule by Christian kingdoms.

Key Figures:

• Alfonso I of Asturias: First Christian monarch to resist Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula, laying the foundation for the Kingdom of Asturias and the Reconquista.
• El Cid: Legendary Castilian knight and military leader who fought for both Christian and Muslim rulers during the Reconquista, becoming a symbol of Spanish chivalry and heroism.
• Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile: Catholic Monarchs who completed the Reconquista with the conquest of Granada in 1492 and initiated the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

Key Events:

• 722 CE: Battle of Covadonga, a Christian victory over Muslim forces led by Alfonso I of Asturias, traditionally considered the starting point of the Reconquista.
• 1066 CE: Battle of Sagrajas, a decisive Muslim victory over the forces of Alfonso VI of Castile, highlighting the complex and shifting alliances during the Reconquista.
• 1217 CE: Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, a significant Christian victory over the Almohad Caliphate, leading to the reconquest of large territories in southern Spain.
• 1238 CE: Reconquest of Valencia by James I of Aragon, completing the Christian reconquest of eastern Spain and consolidating Aragonese power in the region.
• 1492 CE: Conquest of Granada by Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, marking the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula and the completion of the Reconquista.

Cultural Achievements:

• Promotion of Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudéjar architecture by Christian rulers, evidenced by landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Cathedral of Burgos, and the Alcazar of Segovia.
• Revival of Christian pilgrimage routes, such as the Camino de Santiago, fostering cultural exchange and religious devotion throughout Spain and Europe.
• Expulsion of Jews and Muslims from Spain following the Reconquista, leading to the suppression of Jewish and Islamic culture and the establishment of a homogenous Christian identity in Spain.

Spanish Empire

Age of Exploration and Global Dominance (15th – 19th centuries)

The Spanish Empire reached its zenith during the Age of Exploration, becoming a global superpower with vast colonial holdings in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

Key Figures:

• Christopher Columbus: Genoese explorer commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs to seek a westward route to Asia, leading to the discovery of the Americas in 1492.
• Hernán Cortés: Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico, establishing New Spain as a major colonial possession.
• Philip II: King of Spain and ruler of the Spanish Empire at its height, overseeing the colonization of the Americas and the Spanish Golden Age of art, literature, and culture.

Key Events:

• 1492 CE: Discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus, leading to the colonization and exploitation of vast territories by the Spanish Empire.
• 1519-1521 CE: Conquest of the Aztec Empire by Hernán Cortés, resulting in the fall of Tenochtitlan and the establishment of Spanish rule in Mexico.
• 1532-1533 CE: Conquest of the Inca Empire by Francisco Pizarro, leading to the downfall of the Inca civilization and the colonization of Peru.
• 1588 CE: Spanish Armada defeated by the English navy, marking a significant turning point in European naval warfare and the decline of Spanish naval dominance.

• 1713 CE: Treaty of Utrecht, which marked the end of the War of the Spanish Succession and resulted in the cession of Spanish territories in Europe and overseas, limiting Spain’s power and influence.
• 1810-1824 CE: Spanish American Wars of Independence, a series of revolutions and conflicts in Spanish America that led to the independence of most Spanish colonies in the Americas.
• 1898 CE: Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain’s loss of its remaining colonies in the Americas, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, and the end of the Spanish Empire as a global superpower.

Cultural Achievements:

• Spread of Spanish language, culture, and religion throughout the Americas, leading to the emergence of diverse mestizo, criollo, and indigenous cultures.
• Flourishing of Spanish art, literature, and architecture during the Spanish Golden Age, exemplified by the works of artists such as El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco de Goya, and writers such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega.
• Introduction of new crops, animals, and cultural practices from the Americas to Europe and vice versa, transforming diets, economies, and societies on both continents.

Modern Spain

Transition to Democracy and European Integration (20th century – present)

Spain’s modern history is marked by the transition from dictatorship to democracy, economic development, and integration into the European Union.

Key Figures:

• Francisco Franco: Spanish general and dictator who ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975, leading the country through the Spanish Civil War and establishing a repressive authoritarian regime.
• Juan Carlos I: King of Spain from 1975 to 2014, who played a pivotal role in the transition to democracy and the establishment of the constitutional monarchy.
• Felipe VI: Current King of Spain, who succeeded his father Juan Carlos I in 2014 and has sought to modernize the monarchy and promote national unity.

Key Events:

• 1936-1939 CE: Spanish Civil War, a bloody conflict between Republicans and Nationalists led by Francisco Franco, resulting in Franco’s victory and the establishment of a fascist dictatorship.
• 1975 CE: Death of Francisco Franco and the beginning of the Spanish transition to democracy, marked by the accession of King Juan Carlos I and the drafting of a new democratic constitution.
• 1986 CE: Spain joins the European Economic Community (EEC), paving the way for economic growth, modernization, and integration into the European Union (EU).
• 2004 CE: Madrid train bombings, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by Islamist extremists that killed 191 people and wounded over 2,000, leading to increased security measures and international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
• 2017 CE: Catalan independence referendum and subsequent political crisis, as Catalonia’s regional government declared independence from Spain, leading to the suspension of Catalonia’s autonomy and ongoing tensions between Madrid and Barcelona.

Cultural Achievements:

• Resurgence of Spanish democracy and civil liberties following the end of Franco’s dictatorship, leading to a cultural renaissance and the celebration of diverse identities, languages, and regional cultures.
• Expansion of Spanish influence in the fields of art, literature, cinema, and music, with Spanish artists, filmmakers, and musicians achieving international recognition and acclaim.
• Promotion of multiculturalism and diversity in contemporary Spain, with a growing recognition of Spain’s historical and cultural heritage, including its Islamic, Jewish, and indigenous legacies.

Major Turning Points in Spain’s History

• 1492 CE: Discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus, leading to the expansion of the Spanish Empire and the beginning of the Spanish Golden Age.
• 1588 CE: Defeat of the Spanish Armada by the English navy, marking the decline of Spanish naval dominance and the end of Spanish hegemony in Europe.
• 1810-1824 CE: Spanish American Wars of Independence, leading to the loss of most Spanish colonies in the Americas and the end of Spanish colonial rule.
• 1936-1939 CE: Spanish Civil War and the establishment of Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, leading to decades of authoritarian rule and social repression.
• 1975 CE: Death of Francisco Franco and the beginning of the Spanish transition to democracy, marking the restoration of civil liberties and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
• 1986 CE: Spain joins the European Economic Community (EEC), signaling its commitment to European integration and economic development.
• 2004 CE: Madrid train bombings and the subsequent strengthening of counterterrorism measures and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
• 2017 CE: Catalan independence referendum and the ensuing political crisis, highlighting ongoing tensions between central and regional authorities and the challenge of managing regional autonomy within a unified Spain.

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Spain is 50,015,792, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Spain

The Spaniards

The residents of Spain are the Spaniards. Culturally and therefore also linguistically, they do not form a unit. As a result, problems have repeatedly arisen in the past. Catalans and Basques in particular feel more a part of their region than Spain. You can find more about this under History. Around 700,000 Roma, who are called Gitanos here, live as a minority in Spain.

A total of around 46 million people live in Spain. The population grew mainly between 1990 and 2010. That was not because the Spaniards had more children, but because many people from other countries moved here. Especially from Romania, the Maghreb countries, Latin America, Great Britain and Germany, people have moved to Spain in recent years.

The average age of the population is 43.9 years. In Germany it is 47.4 years. Life expectancy is 79 years for men and 85.2 years for women.

Children: Every woman in Spain has an average of 1.5 children. With us, every woman has an average of 1.4 children. So a little more children are born in Spain than here.

Urban and rural areas: A large part of Spain’s population, namely 80.8 percent, lives in cities. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are the biggest cities. 3.2 million people live in Madrid, 1.6 million in Barcelona and 790,000 in Valencia. This is followed by Seville, Saragossa and Málaga.

Languages in Spain

Spanish is spoken all over Spain. Spanish is the official language. Instead of “Spanish” one would have to say Castilian correctly. The Spaniards call their language castellano (pronounced: kasteljano). It becomes clear that “Spanish” is not the only language in the country, as one would otherwise easily think. In addition, Castilian is spoken not only in Spain but also in almost all countries in Central and South America. 74 percent of Spaniards speak Castilian as their first language.

Castilian

There are historical reasons why Castilian became so widespread. The kings of Castile promoted this language as early as the 13th century. Castile became the most powerful kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula. You see: the name Castilian is derived from the region of Castile. With the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula (Reconquista), Castilian also spread.

And even in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, the ruling kings always promoted Castilian. It was ordered by law that school lessons could only be held in Castilian. Under the Franco dictatorship, it was forbidden to use languages ​​other than Castilian in schools, in the media and on street signs.

Strong languages: Catalan, Basque and Galician

However, other languages ​​were spoken regionally and thus survived. After the end of the Franco dictatorship, Catalan, Basque and Galician became the second official language in their respective regions and thus equated with Castilian.

Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. Today, 17 percent of the population speak Catalan as their first language. Galician is spoken in Galicia (7 percent of the population). Basque is spoken in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre (2 percent) and outside of Spain in the adjacent part of the French Pyrenees.

Basque

Basque does not belong to any language family, it is the only “isolated language” in Europe. All of these regions are bilingual, with most of the residents speaking Castilian and the regional language.

Basque has many k, z and x in its language. It does not belong to the Indo-European languages ​​like most of the languages ​​of Europe and therefore not to the Romance languages ​​that are spoken all around (Castilian, French, Catalan, etc.). Do you want to learn to count in Basque? From 1 to 10 it goes like this: bat, bi, hiru, lau bost, sei, zazpi, zortzi, bederatzi, hamar. Z is pronounced like the s in “sum”. There is no x in the numbers, it would be pronounced like “sch” in Basque.

More languages

Minorities in some places in the Pyrenees also speak Aragonese. Aranese is still spoken in the extreme north-west corner of Catalonia, in the Val d’Aran. That is also in the Pyrenees.

The area that is green in the map above (next to the yellow area for Galician) is spoken in Asturleon. It is divided into Asturian and Leonese. In the cities in particular, Castilian is now often spoken as a first language.

Arabic elements in Spanish

Because Spain was almost entirely in Moorish hands from the 8th to the 11th centuries, Arabic elements have established themselves in the language. The word ojalá, for example, translates as “hopefully”, but originally “so Allah / God willing”. The words that begin with al- are also mostly of Arabic origin, for example alfombra (carpet).

Another peculiarity in Castilian is the use of the exclamation mark and the question mark. Both characters are in front of the sentence the other way around, for example: ¡Hola! That means hello and is pronounced “Olla”. ¿Cómo estás? means “how are you?”

A special letter is the ñ. It is pronounced “nj” and occurs, for example, in España, which is Spain’s name in Castilian. If two l come together, it is pronounced “lj”, for example in the word castellano.

Religions in Spain

69 percent of Spaniards belong to the Roman Catholic Church. The proportion of those who actively participate in church life has been falling for years. Religious minorities are Jews, Muslims, Protestants and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In addition, there are also non-denominational people, i.e. people who do not belong to any religion.

Spain Overview

Spain, located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landmarks. The country is renowned for its architectural wonders, including the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Royal Palace in Madrid. Spain’s vibrant festivals, such as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and La Tomatina in Buñol, attract visitors from around the world. With its beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, delicious cuisine featuring paella, tapas, and sangria, and passionate flamenco music and dance, Spain offers a truly unforgettable experience.

• Capital City: Madrid
• Population: Approximately 47 million
• Area: 505,990 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Kingdom of Spain
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: Spanish
• ISO Country Codes: ES, ESP

Bordering Countries of Spain

Spain is located in the southwestern corner of Europe and is bordered by France, Andorra, and Portugal to the north and east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. To the northeast lies Gibraltar which is a British Overseas Territory. This strategic location has allowed Spain to become an influential European country with a rich culture and history.

To the north of Spain lies France, one of its closest neighbors. This border is marked by both land and sea as it stretches from the Bay of Biscay in the west to Andorra in the east. The Pyrenees mountain range forms part of this border where visitors can explore picturesque landscapes filled with snow-capped peaks during winter or discover charming villages throughout this region.

To the east lies Andorra which is an independent principality situated between France and Spain along their shared border in the Pyrenees mountain range. This region offers many attractions from winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding at Grandvalira Ski Resort to exploring quaint villages like Canillo among other highlights throughout this principality.

Portugal borders Spain on its western side stretching from Galicia in the north to Extremadura in the south along their shared Iberian Peninsula. This border offers visitors a chance to explore stunning landscapes such as Douro Valley or discover vibrant cities like Lisbon which features many attractions such as art galleries or museums among other highlights throughout Portugal.

The Mediterranean Sea borders Spain on its southern side offering visitors a chance to explore beautiful beaches along its coastline while discovering vibrant cities like Barcelona which features attractions such as La Sagrada Familia among other highlights throughout this region.

Finally, The Atlantic Ocean borders Spain on its western side featuring attractions such as Canary Islands where you can explore stunning beaches or discover vibrant cities like Seville which offer many cultural experiences including art galleries or museums among other things throughout this region.

Public Holidays in Spain 2024

Spain celebrates a rich tapestry of public holidays, each steeped in tradition, culture, and history. These holidays reflect the country’s religious, political, and regional diversity, bringing communities together in celebration and commemoration. Here is a comprehensive list and description of public holidays in Spain for the year 2024.

National Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Description: New Year’s Day, or “Año Nuevo,” marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated across Spain with gatherings, fireworks, and festive parties. Many people make New Year’s resolutions and spend time with family and friends to welcome the new year with hope and optimism.

Epiphany – January 6th

Description: Epiphany, or “Día de Reyes,” is a significant Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. In Spain, it is celebrated with elaborate parades known as the “Cabalgata de Reyes,” where children receive gifts from the Three Kings. Traditional foods like Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread, are enjoyed on this day.

Labour Day – May 1st

Description: Labour Day, or “Día del Trabajador,” honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It is observed with rallies, demonstrations, and marches advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. Many people also enjoy the day off by spending time with family or participating in leisure activities.

National Day of Spain – October 12th

Description: The National Day of Spain, or “Fiesta Nacional de España,” commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. It is celebrated with military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events across the country. The day highlights Spain’s history, unity, and cultural heritage.

All Saints’ Day – November 1st

Description: All Saints’ Day, or “Día de Todos los Santos,” is a Christian holiday honoring all the saints and martyrs. In Spain, it is a day to remember and pay respects to deceased loved ones. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, often bringing flowers and lighting candles in remembrance.

Constitution Day – December 6th

Description: Constitution Day, or “Día de la Constitución,” commemorates the anniversary of the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which established democracy in Spain after decades of dictatorship. It is celebrated with ceremonies, educational activities, and events promoting civic awareness and democratic values.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Description: Christmas Day, or “Navidad,” celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays. In Spain, it is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Festive traditions include Nativity scenes, Christmas markets, and the consumption of special holiday foods like turrones (nougat) and polvorones (shortbread cookies).

Regional Public Holidays

Andalusia Day – February 28th

Description: Andalusia Day, or “Día de Andalucía,” celebrates the autonomous community of Andalusia’s regional identity and culture. It commemorates the 1980 referendum in which Andalusians voted for autonomy. The day is marked by cultural events, concerts, traditional music, and Andalusian cuisine.

St. Joseph’s Day – March 19th

Description: St. Joseph’s Day, or “Día de San José,” is celebrated in the region of Valencia, particularly in the city of Valencia itself. It is a traditional holiday honoring St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters and the father of Jesus. Festivities include parades, street parties, and the offering of traditional pastries called “bunyols” to friends and family.

St. George’s Day – April 23rd

Description: St. George’s Day, or “Día de San Jorge,” is celebrated in the region of Catalonia and other parts of Spain. It is a cultural and literary celebration honoring St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, and is often associated with the legend of the dragon-slaying knight. The day is marked by the exchange of roses and books between loved ones, as well as cultural events and book fairs.

San Isidro Labrador – May 15th

Description: San Isidro Labrador is the patron saint of Madrid, and his feast day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Spanish capital. Festivities include traditional dances, music performances, bullfights, and the “romería,” a pilgrimage to the hermitage of San Isidro. The day is also marked by the consumption of traditional foods and drinks, such as “rosquillas” (doughnuts) and “limonada” (lemonade).

Corpus Christi – June 19th

Description: Corpus Christi, or “Corpus Christi,” is a Catholic holiday celebrating the Eucharist. In some regions of Spain, particularly in Toledo and Granada, it is observed with elaborate processions featuring religious icons, ornate floats, and traditional costumes. The day is also marked by church services, street decorations, and communal feasts.

Feast of St. James – July 25th

Description: The Feast of St. James, or “Día de Santiago,” is celebrated in the autonomous community of Galicia, where St. James is the patron saint. It is a religious and cultural holiday honoring the apostle St. James and is particularly significant in the city of Santiago de Compostela, where his remains are said to be buried. The day is marked by religious services, processions, and cultural events.

Assumption of Mary – August 15th

Description: The Assumption of Mary, or “Asunción de la Virgen,” is a Catholic holiday celebrating the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a public holiday in many parts of Spain, particularly in Catholic regions, and is observed with church services, processions, and community gatherings.

Regional National Day of Catalonia – September 11th

Description: The Regional National Day of Catalonia, or “Diada Nacional de Catalunya,” commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on Catalonia’s history and quest for autonomy. The day is marked by demonstrations, cultural events, and the display of Catalan flags.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8th

Description: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, or “Día de la Inmaculada Concepción,” celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It is a Catholic holiday observed with church services, processions, and the decoration of statues and shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In some regions of Spain, it is also a day for family gatherings and festive meals.

Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Spain 2024