The More Popular Spanish Public Holidays
There is always a reason to celebrate in Spain and public holidays have become a
very good reason to have some fun and relaxation in a festive and care-free manner. Hence, you will find many such occasions to celebrate and make a day festive in Spain.There are not only local and national public holidays; there are also regional holidays which are intensely celebrated. Hence, a tourist will probably find himself in the midst of some festival while touring Spain. Spaniards love a good party anytime but they are also very gracious hosts, welcoming any visitor into their festivity. All you need to do to blend with the locals is just grab a pint and mingle with the crowd.
January 1st - NEW YEARS DAY
Right at the start of the New Year, the Spanish people welcome the first day of the year with gusto with many activities usually happening at the town square. The usual accompaniment of fireworks and music add pomp and fun to the celebration. A traditional activity during this day is the eating of twelve grapes, with each grape representing one month in the old year, before the town bell finishes belching out twelve rings nearer to the stroke of midnight to mark the New Year.
Good luck is assumed when one is successful in his quest to finish the twelve grapes before the twelfth ring. This is not an easy feat as the grapes are usually lodged in a tight glass flute which proves to be a challenge for many.
January 6th - THREE KINGS CELEBRATION
This is actually the post Christmas celebration in Spain where the advent of Three Kings coming after the 12 days of Christmas happens. Children in Spain put up their socks for presents from the 3 Kings for behaving well throughout the year. Naughty children get a piece of black coal instead of gifts. It is a Spanish tradition to have 3 local men dressed up as the 3 Kings to parade the town throwing sweets to the eager children in a beautiful procession.
March / April Holy Week of SEMANA SANTA
The Spaniards are very religious in this festival, carrying icons of Jesus as well as Mary in solemn processions that mark Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The event is very emotional and colorful as it reflects the penitent hearts of the participants. Fireworks and drinking are played down in this religious celebration.
March 1st - LABOUR DAY
A simple rest day throughout Spain.
April month OF FERIAS
Festivals that last as long as 2 weeks are held with colorful processions, traditional costumes, firework displays, bullfights, flamenco dances and all the best of Spains celebrations are enjoyed during this time.
June 24th - SAN JUAN celebration
Bonfires light up the beaches with people rushing into the sea at the stroke of midnight to wash their sins away like the baptism by Saint John. Many are allowed to camp on the beaches making merry with music and fireworks.
May/June - SAN ISIDRO celebration
Again, this festival takes the whole works of a Spanish celebration with colorful processions and merry making with each city having its own style.
June - CORPUS CHRISTI
This is a very solemn and religious procession honoring Jesus in holy water paraded in the streets.
August 15th - ASUNCION
Catholics celebrate the taking of Marys body into Heaven after she died.
November 1st - ALL SAINTS DAY
Families of lost loved ones visit their graves in commemoration.
December 6th - CONSTITUTION DAY
This is a national holiday in Spain to commemorate the beginning of a democratic Spain since December 6, 1978.
December 8th - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
An important date observed by the Catholics to commemorate Marys virgin conception of Jesus.
December 25th - CHRISTMAS DAY
This is not as widely celebrated as in other parts of the world although children may receive some gifts on its eve. The main celebration is on Epiphany.
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