Spain observes 14 public holidays per year — 8 national holidays plus at least 2 regional holidays and up to 4 local holidays determined by each autonomous community. The Estatuto de los Trabajadores (Workers’ Statute) requires all employers to observe these holidays and grant paid time off.
Spain’s holiday calendar varies significantly by region, with different autonomous communities observing different local holidays. Getting compliance right requires understanding both national and regional requirements.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
Key Takeaways
- Spain observes 14 public holidays per year (national + regional + local)
- 8 holidays are national; the remaining are determined by each autonomous community
- Regional holidays vary between Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, and other communities
- Employees are entitled to paid leave on all public holidays
- Employers must publish the annual holiday calendar by October each year
National Public Holidays in Spain 2027
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Friday |
| Epiphany (Día de Reyes) | 6 January | Wednesday |
| Good Friday | 26 March | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Saturday |
| Assumption of Mary | 15 August | Sunday |
| National Day of Spain | 12 October | Tuesday |
| All Saints’ Day | 1 November | Monday |
| Constitution Day | 6 December | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Saturday |
Note: When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next Monday is typically a substitute holiday. Check the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado) for official substitution rules.
Regional Holidays by Autonomous Community
Catalonia
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Sant Jordi (St. George’s Day) | 23 April | Friday |
| Midsummer Day | 24 June | Thursday |
| La Mercè | 24 September | Friday |
Madrid
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| San Isidro (Madrid Day) | 15 May | Saturday |
| Fiesta de la Comunidad | 2 May | Sunday |
Andalusia
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Andalusia Day | 28 February | Sunday |
Basque Country
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Basque Day | 25 July | Sunday |
Valencia
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Valencia Day | 9 October | Saturday |
| Fallas | 19 March | Friday |
Galicia
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Galicia Day | 25 July | Sunday |
Balearic Islands
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Balearic Islands Day | 1 March | Monday |
Canaries
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | 29 March | Monday |
| Canary Islands Day | 30 May | Sunday |
What the Law Requires
Estatuto de los Trabajadores
The Workers’ Statute governs public holidays for all employees:
- 14 paid public holidays per year (national + regional + local)
- Employees are entitled to paid leave on all public holidays
- If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day is a substitute holiday
- Employers must publish the annual holiday calendar by October for the following year
Employee Rights
- Public holidays are paid days off — employees receive their ordinary wages
- Employees cannot be required to work on public holidays without their agreement
- If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to a substitute day off or additional compensation
Collective Agreements
Many collective agreements provide additional holidays beyond the statutory minimum. Check your industry’s collective agreement for specific entitlements.
Local Holidays
In addition to national and regional holidays, each municipality can declare up to 2 local holidays per year. These are typically:
- The patron saint’s day of the municipality
- A local festival or celebration
Local holidays vary by city and town. Check with your local town hall (ayuntamiento) for the specific holidays in your area.
Common Mistakes
1. Not Accounting for Regional Variations
Many employers assume all of Spain observes the same holidays. Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia have different regional holidays.
2. Forgetting Substitute Holidays
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the next Monday is typically a substitute. Some employers forget to provide this.
3. Not Publishing the Holiday Calendar
Employers must publish the annual holiday calendar by October. Failing to do so is non-compliance.
4. Confusing Public Holidays with Annual Leave
Public holidays are separate from annual leave entitlements. An employee on annual leave during a public holiday is not charged a day of annual leave.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain records of:
- Annual holiday calendar (national, regional, and local)
- Employee holiday register
- Substitute holiday arrangements
- Collective agreement provisions
Keep records for at least four years as required by Spanish labour law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holidays do employees get in Spain?
Employees are entitled to 14 paid public holidays per year, combining national, regional, and local holidays. Some collective agreements provide additional days.
Can an employee work on a public holiday?
Employees can work on public holidays with their agreement. If they do, they must receive a substitute day off within a reasonable period.
What if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day (typically Monday) is a substitute holiday. The exact substitution rules are set by the government.
Do all regions have the same holidays?
No. Spain’s 17 autonomous communities each have their own regional holidays. Catalonia has different holidays from Madrid, which differ from Andalusia. Always check the specific calendar for your region.
Managing Spain’s complex regional holiday system? Leave Balance auto-applies national, regional, and local holidays for all Spanish autonomous communities, manages substitute holiday scheduling, and keeps your compliance records audit-ready.