Spain’s national calendar includes 10 public holidays, but each of its 17 autonomous communities adds up to 7 more, creating a total range of 14–19 days off depending on where your employees work. Catalonia celebrates La Diada. Madrid observes its Community Day. The Basque Country has its own autonomy day. These aren’t optional extras — they’re legally mandated days off that employers must provide.
If you manage a Spanish workforce, you need more than the national calendar. This guide maps the regional variations for 2026.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organization.
Key Takeaways
- Spain has 10 national public holidays
- Autonomous communities add up to 7 more regional holidays
- Total holidays range from 14 to 19 days per region
- Some holidays are moved to Mondays for “bridge day” convenience
- Employers must track both national and community-specific holidays
National Public Holidays (All Communities)
These holidays apply across all of Spain:
| 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 | 12 October | Monday |
| All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) | 1 November | Sunday |
| Constitution Day | 6 December | Sunday |
| Immaculate Conception | 8 December | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day (Navidad) | 25 December | Friday |
Note: When holidays fall on Sunday, the next Monday may be observed as a substitute in some communities.
Regional Holiday Variations
Catalonia
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| La Diada (National Day of Catalonia) | 11 September |
| Saint Stephen’s Day (Sant Esteve) | 26 December |
Catalonia moves some national holidays to create bridge days. For example, Epiphany (6 January) is sometimes observed on the nearest Monday.
Madrid
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Community of Madrid Day | 2 May |
| Labour Day (substitute) | 1 May |
Madrid observes its Community Day on 2 May, commemorating the 1808 uprising against Napoleonic troops.
Andalusia
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Andalusia Day | 28 February |
| Assumption Day (substitute) | 15 August |
Andalusia Day (28 February) commemorates the 1980 autonomous statute.
Basque Country
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Basque Country Day | 25 October |
| Saint James Day (Santiago Apóstol) | 25 July |
The Basque Country has significant cultural holidays that reflect its distinct identity.
Valencia
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Community Day | 9 October |
| Saint Joseph’s Day (Fallas) | 19 March |
Valencia’s Fallas festival (19 March) is a major cultural event and public holiday.
Galicia
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| National Day of Galicia | 25 July |
| All Saints’ Day (substitute) | 1 November |
Galicia’s national day (25 July) coincides with Saint James Day, a major celebration.
Castilla y León
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Castilla y León Day | 23 April |
The region observes its community day on 23 April, coinciding with the feast of Saint George.
Aragon
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Aragon Day | 23 April |
| Saint George’s Day (San Jorge) | 23 April |
Aragon shares the Saint George celebration with Castilla y León.
Canary Islands
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Canary Islands Day | 30 May |
| Assumption Day (substitute) | 15 August |
Balearic Islands
| Regional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Balearic Islands Day | 1 March |
| El Cid Day | September (varies) |
Other Communities
| Community | Key Regional Holiday |
|---|---|
| Murcia | Region Day (9 June) |
| Extremadura | Extremadura Day (8 September) |
| Asturias | Asturias Day (8 September) |
| Cantabria | Cantabria Day (15 September) |
| Navarra | Navarra Day (3 December) |
| La Rioja | La Rioja Day (9 June) |
Bridge Day Adjustments (Lunes Puentes)
Spain has a strong tradition of “lunes puente” — moving holidays to Monday to create a three-day weekend. Each community decides which holidays to move:
| Community | Common Bridge Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Madrid | Epiphany moved to Monday |
| Catalonia | Epiphany moved to Monday |
| Andalusia | Epiphany moved to Monday |
| Valencia | Saint Joseph’s Day sometimes moved |
| Galicia | Epiphany moved to Monday |
These adjustments are announced annually by each community’s government. They’re not permanent — a holiday may be a bridge one year and back on its original date the next.
What This Means for Employers
Track Per-Community Calendars
A national calendar isn’t enough. Map each employee to their autonomous community’s specific holidays.
Monitor Bridge Day Announcements
Bridge day adjustments are announced annually, usually in the autumn for the following year. Check each community’s official announcements.
Handle Multi-Community Operations
If you have offices in Madrid and Barcelona, your employees observe different regional holidays. Maintain separate calendars and communicate clearly.
Account for Substitute Holidays
When a national holiday falls on Sunday, some communities designate the following Monday as a substitute. Others don’t. Track this per community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holidays does each Spanish community have?
Most communities have 14–16 official holidays. Some have up to 19. The exact number depends on national holidays, regional additions, and bridge day adjustments.
Can an employer in Spain require work on a public holiday?
Under the Estatuto de los Trabajadores, employees are entitled to public holidays off. Employers can require work in exceptional circumstances, but must provide a substitute day within 3 months.
Do bridge days apply automatically?
No. Bridge day adjustments are decided by each community’s government and published annually. They’re not automatic — they depend on the official announcement.
Are regional holidays paid?
Yes. Regional public holidays are paid days off, just like national holidays. If an employee works on a regional holiday, they’re entitled to a substitute day or premium pay.
Do remote workers get the holidays of their community?
Yes. The autonomous community where the employee physically works determines their holiday entitlements, regardless of where the company is headquartered.