Public holidays in Spain (días festivos) are regulated at both national and regional levels. The national government sets a minimum of 14 public holidays per year — 8 national holidays plus 2 regional holidays chosen by each autonomous community, plus local holidays determined by each municipality. As an employer, you need to know which holidays apply to your team, how to pay for them, and how to navigate the regional variations.
Spain’s public holiday system is among the most decentralised in Europe. A holiday in Catalonia may not be a holiday in Andalusia, and local holidays can add even more complexity. This guide covers all Spanish public holidays for 2026 and your obligations under the Estatuto de los Trabajadores.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your autonomous community.
2026 National Public Holidays
These holidays apply across all autonomous communities:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | 1 January | Thursday |
| Epiphany (Día de Reyes) | 6 January | Tuesday |
| Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | 3 April | Friday |
| Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) | 1 May | Friday |
| Assumption Day (Asunción de la Virgen) | 15 August | Saturday |
| National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional) | 12 October | Monday |
| All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) | 1 November | Sunday |
| Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) | 6 December | Sunday |
| Christmas Day (Navidad) | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Assumption Day (15 August) falls on a Saturday, All Saints’ Day (1 November) falls on a Sunday, and Constitution Day (6 December) falls on a Sunday in 2026.
Regional Holiday Selection
Each autonomous community selects 2 additional holidays from a pool of 8 candidates:
Pool of Candidate Holidays
| Candidate Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) | 2 April |
| Canary Islands Day (Día de Canarias) | 30 May |
| Castilla-La Mancha Day | 31 May |
| Balearic Islands Day | 1 March |
| Ceuta Day | 2 September |
| Melilla Day | 17 September |
| Galicia Day | 25 July |
| Aragon Day (Día de Aragón) | 23 April |
Regional Variations
| Community | Additional Holidays |
|---|---|
| Andalusia | Maundy Thursday, Andalusia Day (28 February) |
| Aragon | Aragon Day (23 April), Maundy Thursday |
| Asturias | Asturias Day (8 September), Maundy Thursday |
| Balearic Islands | Balearic Islands Day (1 March), Maundy Thursday |
| Canary Islands | Canary Islands Day (30 May), Maundy Thursday |
| Cantabria | Cantabria Day (15 September), Maundy Thursday |
| Castilla-La Mancha | Castilla-La Mancha Day (31 May), Maundy Thursday |
| Castilla y León | Castilla y León Day (23 April), Maundy Thursday |
| Catalonia | Catalonia Day (11 September), La Diada de Sant Jordi (23 April) |
| Extremadura | Extremadura Day (8 September), Maundy Thursday |
| Galicia | Galicia Day (25 July), Maundy Thursday |
| La Rioja | La Rioja Day (9 June), Maundy Thursday |
| Madrid | Madrid Day (2 May), Maundy Thursday |
| Murcia | Murcia Day (9 June), Maundy Thursday |
| Navarra | Navarra Day (3 December), Maundy Thursday |
| Basque Country | Basque Country Day (25 October), Maundy Thursday |
| Valencia | Valencia Day (9 October), Maundy Thursday |
| Ceuta | Ceuta Day (2 September), Maundy Thursday |
| Melilla | Melilla Day (17 September), Maundy Thursday |
When Holidays Fall on Sundays
When a national or regional public holiday falls on a Sunday, the autonomous community can designate a replacement day. In 2026:
- Assumption Day (15 August) falls on a Saturday — some communities may designate a substitute
- All Saints’ Day (1 November) falls on a Sunday — check your community for replacement
- Constitution Day (6 December) falls on a Sunday — check your community for replacement
How to Pay Employees on Public Holidays
Fixed Salary Employees
If a public holiday falls on a day the employee would normally work, they receive their regular monthly salary. The holiday is treated as a paid working day.
Hourly or Daily-Paid Employees
For hourly or daily-paid employees, the holiday pay is calculated as:
- Average daily earnings over the last 30 days before the holiday
- The employee receives their normal daily or hourly rate for the holiday
Working on a Public Holiday
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- Premium pay — Typically 1.5× to 2× the normal rate (varies by collective agreement)
- A substitute day off — Within the period set by the collective agreement
The employee must give consent to work on a public holiday, except in essential services.
Collective Agreements
Spanish collective agreements (convenios colectivos) often provide additional holidays beyond the statutory minimum. Common additions include:
- Company-specific holidays — Some agreements grant an extra day for the company’s foundation day
- Additional regional holidays — Some agreements include all 8 candidate holidays
- Substitute days — Many agreements require a substitute day when a holiday falls on a Sunday
Always check your convenio colectivo for additional entitlements.
Common Mistakes
Not Checking Regional Holidays
A national list is not enough. You must know which holidays apply in your specific autonomous community.
Ignoring Local Holidays
Municipalities can designate up to 2 local holidays. If you have employees in multiple cities, you may need different holiday calendars.
Forgetting Sunday Substitutions
When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the replacement day varies by community. Don’t assume it’s the next Monday.
Incorrect Collective Agreement Application
Collective agreements often exceed statutory requirements. Failing to apply the correct convenio can result in penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Spain observes 14+ public holidays per year — 9 national, 2 regional, plus local
- Regional communities select 2 additional holidays from a pool of 8 candidates
- When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the community may designate a replacement day
- Collective agreements often provide additional holidays beyond the statutory minimum
- Working on a public holiday requires premium pay and a substitute day off
- Always check your autonomous community’s holiday list and your convenio colectivo
Managing public holidays across Spain’s autonomous communities — each with its own selection — requires careful attention. Leave Balance tracks regional holiday calendars so you never miss an entitlement.