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This page provides information for bank holidays in the UK, (public holidays in the UK), national
fiestas in Spain and national holidays in Spain for 2010 and 2011.
Bank holidays in the UK / Public holidays in the UK for 2010
| Date |
Bank holidays in the UK / Public holidays in the UK for 2010 |
Spanish equivalent or translation |
| Date |
Bank holidays in the UK / Public holidays in the UK for 2010 |
Spanish equivalent or translation |
| January 1 |
New Years Day |
Año Nuevo |
| March 17 |
St. Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland
only) - Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in
1690 |
Local Saint |
| April 2 |
Good Friday (Friday before Easter) |
Viernes Santo |
| April 5 |
Easter Monday, (Monday after
Easter) |
Lunes Santo |
| May 3 |
May day holiday - the first Monday in May |
Día del Mayo |
| May 31 |
Spring Bank Holiday - the last Monday in May |
Día del primavera |
| August 30 |
Summer Bank Holiday - the last Monday in August |
Día del verano |
| November 30 |
St. Andrew’s Day (Scotland only) -
national celebration of Scottish identity and
culture |
Local Saint |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day |
Natividad del Señor |
| December 26 |
Boxing Day |
|
| December 27 |
Bank holiday for Christmas Day |
Día sin trabajo para Natividad del Señor |
| December 28 |
Bank holiday for Boxing Day |
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Please note that Boxing Day is always on the 26th of December, the day after Christmas Day, however, if the 26th of December falls on a Saturday or Sunday, which it does in
2011, an extra holiday day is given on the following Monday. Therefore above you can see that the holiday given for Boxing Day
2011 is Monday the 28th of December.
Fiestas in Spain
Spain is well known for it’s fiestas and colourful parades, and most of them are
well worth seeing. Below is a calendar of the National
Fiestas (also known as Red Days), which shows a list of fiestas and their
translation or UK equivalent. Remember that, unlike the UK where it has become
the norm to open shops etc on a bank holiday the same as any other day, in Spain
a National Fiesta is time for the whole nation to take the day off inc shops,
banks and some cafes and bars, even if the fiesta falls in the middle of the week (which
is normal). It’s also worth knowing that where fiestas fall on Tuesdays or
Thursdays, or when two fiestas fall in the same week separated by 1 day, some
businesses choose to take an extra day i.e. the Monday or Friday or the middle
day to link them together - this is called a ‘puente’ a bridge day.
National holidays in Spain
and national fiestas in Spain for 2010
| Date |
National holidays in Spain and National Fiestas in Spain for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| Date |
National holidays in Spain and National Fiestas in Spain for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| January 1st |
Año Nuevo |
New Years Day |
| January 6th |
Dia de los Reyes |
Three Kings Day (Epiphany) |
| March 19th |
San José (Día del Padre) |
St Joseph's day (Fathers Day) |
| April 1st |
Jueves Santo |
Maundy Thursday |
| April 2nd |
Viernes Santo |
Good Friday (Friday before Easter) |
| April 5th |
Lunes de Pascua de Resurrección |
Easter Monday, (Monday after
Easter) |
| May 1st |
Fiesta del Trabajo |
Labour Day
(Workers Fiesta) |
| August 15th |
Asunción de la Virgen |
Assumption of the Virgin |
| October 12th |
Día Nacional de España |
National day of Spain |
| November 1st |
Todos los Santos |
All Saints day |
| December 6th |
Día de la Constitución España |
Day of the Spanish constitution |
| December 8th |
Inmaculada Concepción |
Immaculate conception |
| December 25th |
Natividad del Señor |
Christmas Day |
Please find listed below, in alphabetical order, the local fiestas and
festivals in some of the larger cities in Spain. Don’t forget that a local fiesta also means that
some businesses will be shut! However, if you need some shopping etc. urgently you
may be able to travel to another town, out of the immediate area, where this
particular fiesta is not celebrated. Some local festivals last over several days
and include parades, music, paella contests and many other fun activities. The
Spanish love to eat and have fun together, and fiestas and festivals are ideal
times where families and the community in general strengthen their bond of
friendship by joining together in some of the above mentioned activities.
Carnival time
Most cities, town and even small villages in Spain celebrate the ‘carnival
season’ during the months of February or March, depending upon when Easter falls
that year. One of the most popular explanations for the origin of the name
‘carnival’ is that the word comes from the Italian words “carne levare”, which
in turn comes from the Latin words “caro” meaning flesh or meat, and “vale”
meaning goodbye or farewell. So "Carnival" literally means "Goodbye to meat".
This makes sense as the carnival always falls just before Lent, which is, in
Catholic tradition, a period of 40 days and nights when eating meat is
forbidden.
Easter
Easter is probably the most important time in the catholic calendar, and the
celebration processions are a vital part of the commemoration of the historic
and holy events. The date that Easter is celebrated varies from year to year
(see the tables below for the correct dates), however the date for Easter in
Spain is the same as the UK.
At Easter time there are a selection of processions including Palm Sunday,
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These parades portray the events
that preceded the crucifixion of Jesus, and subsequent resurrection. The Easter
parades are an important tradition in Spanish life and the majority of the local
people are involved in one way or another. Musical bands play an important role
in the parades and set the atmosphere of the story that is being told. Children
and adults take great pride in representing their band by playing in the street
processions, and the music is of a high standard.
Moors and Christians
Some of the most entertaining parades are the ones to celebrate the history of
the Moors and Christians. The majority of towns and cities in Spain, although
not all, regard this fiesta as an important festival, and party in good Spanish
style! The festival processions tell the story of the invasion and storming of
the castle by the Moors, and include mock fights, in period costume, as the
battles between the Moors and Christians are re-enacted.
The Moors and Christians festival is a very historical but fun event which
includes something for everyone, and it’s not to be missed!
The following are local holidays in their respective provinces:
Local Fiestas in Alicante for 2010
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Alicante for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Alicante for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| February 11th to 17th |
Carnaval de Alicante |
Alicante’s carnival |
| February 13th |
Sabado Ramblero |
Local saint - Fancy dress parade though the
streets |
| April 5th |
Lunes de Pascua de Resurrección |
Easter Monday |
| April 15th |
Fiesta de Santa Faz |
Santa Faz fiesta |
| May 1st to 3rd |
Fiesta de la cruz |
The May crosses festival |
| July 16th |
Virgen del Carmen |
Festival of the Virgin Carmen
(Patron saint) |
| To be confirmed |
Fiesta de la Virgen del Remedio |
Summer Festival The
virgin of hope, relief, and remedy. |
| October 7th |
Virgen del Rosario |
Festival of the Virgin Rosario (Patron saint) |
| October 9th |
Dia de la Comunidad Valenciana |
Day of the Valencian region (Public holiday
for the whole Valencia region) |
February 11th to 17th 2010
Carnival in Alicante
Carnival time is one of Alicante’s most popular and lively celebrations. There
are a few different days where you can sample the party atmosphere, which are
listed below, however the main event is "Sábado Ramblero":
February 11th 2010
Dijous Gras
On the Thursday before "Sábado Ramblero" (February the 11th 2010), a parade
takes place through some of Alicante's main streets, including San Vicente,
Rambla de Méndez Núñez, and Labradores.
February 13th 2010
Sábado Ramblero
Most of the fun happens on "Sábado Ramblero", which is the Saturday before Ash
Wednesday, this year being February the 13th. The celebrations include a big
fancy dress parade with lively street music.
February 16th 2010
Carnival Tuesday
The "Procesión del Pelele" (procession of the puppets) travels through the
streets of the ‘Old Quarter’ of Alicante during the evening. A figure of "Don
Carnal" (Mr. Carnival) is put on mock trial and paraded through the streets.
February 17th 2010
Entierro de la Sardina (Burying the Sardine)
The burial of the ‘Sardine’ happens on Ash Wednesday (17th of February 2010),
and involves a parade that ends with the burning of an effigy traditionally in
the shape of a sardine.
April 15th 2010
Santa Cruz
The festival of Santa Cruz is celebrated on the 15th of April 2010. The people
of the district of Santa Cruz, which is situated on the slopes of mount
Benacantil (within the Alicante city area), decorate their streets with crosses
made of flowers, and participate in a competition to see which one is the best.
During the festival certain streets are blocked off from traffic, and there’s
open air dancing areas and children’s toys (e.g. bouncy castles etc.).
Local Fiestas in Barcelona for 2010
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Barcelona for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Barcelona for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| February 11th to 17th |
Carnaval de Barcelona |
Barcelona Carnival |
| April 5th |
Pascua Florida Mohosa o de Resurrección |
Easter Monday |
| May 24th (to be confirmed) |
Segunda Pascua |
Pentecost |
| June 24th |
San Juan |
Saint John |
| September 11th |
Festividad Nacional de Cataluña |
National fiesta for Cataluña |
| September 24th |
Fiesta de la Mercè |
Fiesta of La Mercé (the worthy) |
| December 26th |
San Esteban |
Saint Stephen’s Day |
February 11th to 17th 2010
Barcelona Carnival
The carnivals in Barcelona are very popular and spectacular to see. In the
Catalan language a carnival is called "Carnestoltes".
February 11th 2010
Dijous Gras / Jueves Ladero (Fat Thursday)
In a similar theme to the British ‘Shrove Tuesday’, ‘Fat Thursday’ is
traditionally the day that the carnival celebrations begin. The idea is that you
eat lots in preparation for the 40 days and nights of lent that begin on the
following Wednesday. The main character of the carnival, which is the carnival
King (Rei Carnestoltes or Rey Carnaval) makes his arrival during the procession
celebrations of Dijous Gras (Jueves Ladero/ Fat Thursday). The idea is that the
big fat carnival king figure takes on board the responsibility of all of the
sins and bad things that have happened during the previous year. On the last day
of Carnival, the carnival king is burnt, taking all of the sins with him. During
the burning of the figurine there is a big feast, after which there’s a solemn
procession symbolising the sad funeral of the carnival king. This procession
comes complete with weeping widows dressed all in black.
February 13th 2010
La Grand Rua de Carnaval /La Gran Rua de la Ciutat (The big street carnival)
At 20:30 the procession of carnival floats, dancing groups and bands etc. begins
to move down Carretera de Sants, one of the main streets through Barcelona.
One of the traditions of the carnival season is eating eggs, usually in the form
of tortillas (omelettes), with cooking and tasting competitions. Another
tradition is a “botifarrada,” where everyone eats as much botifarra (Catalan
sausage) as they desire. There are also sardine tasting events, as this is
another traditional ingredient to a Catalan carnival. It is also customary that
each district award prizes for the best decorated stalls in their food market.
The main award is called the "Pebrot d'Or" or “Pimiento de Oro”, which
translates to the “Golden Pepper”.
Most of the activities during the Barcelona carnival take place in and around
the centre of the community and/or the food markets in each district of this
vast city.
February 17th 2010
Enterrament de la sardine (Burying the Sardine)
The Barcelona carnival usually ends on “el Miércoles de Ceniza” (Ash Wednesday),
which in 2010 falls on February the 17th. The traditional “Enterrament de la
Sardina”, is literally “burying the sardine”, which, signifies the end of the
carnival.
Local Fiestas in Bilbao for 2010
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Bilbao for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Bilbao for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| February 3rd |
Dia de Santo Blas |
Saint Blas Day |
| February 4th |
Dia de Santa Agueda |
Saint Agueda’s Day |
| To be advised |
Carnaval de Bilbao |
Carnival in Bilbao |
| April 5th |
Lunes de Pascua de Resurrección |
Easter Monday |
| June 24th |
San Juan |
Saint John |
| July 25th |
Santiago Apóstol |
Apostle Santiago
|
| July 31st |
San Ignacio de Loyola |
Saint Ignacio of Loyola day |
| August 20th (to be confirmed) |
Viernes de la semana grande |
Friday of the big week |
February 3rd 2010
Saint Blas Day
On the 3rd of February a nine day religious festival begins, which is based at
the Church of San Nicolás, and celebrates the life and work of St. Blas. This
saint is also known as Blaise of Sebaste, Blase, Blasien, or Biagio.
The history of Saint Blaise says that he was a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia,
and was martyred in the early fourth century under the reign of Licinius. It is
said that he was born into a rich and noble family who raised him as a
Christian, and through his Christian training and beliefs, became a bishop. In
later years, when the Christians were being persecuted, it is said that he
received a message from God telling him to go into the hills to escape capture.
Hunters were out in the hills and saw a man walking, unafraid, amongst sick wild
animals and curing them. They recognised Blaise as being a man of the church,
and so captured him and took him back for trial. On the way back to the town, he
talked a wolf into releasing a pig that belonged to a poor woman. Blaise was
sentenced to be starved to death, and in gratitude, the poor woman sneaked into
the prison with food and candles. In the end the governor had Blaise killed.
Saint Blasé was made one of the ‘Fourteen Holy Helpers’, and is highly respected
throughout Central Europe. In holy painting he is depicted with a metal comb and
a tall candle. Saint Blase is also a patron saint of physicians, sick cattle,
and of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat
problems.
In Catholic tradition, Saint Blaise's feast day, February 3, is the day of the
‘Blessing of the Throats’, when two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and
pressed against the throat as the blessing is said.
February 4th 2010
Saint Agueda's Day
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of the province
of Biscay, and the festival of its patron saint (Saint Agueda) is a particularly
historic one. This fiesta in Bilbao dates back many centuries and it steeped
with history and tradition. To celebrate this festival, many choirs, mainly
children's choirs, parade the streets with their beautiful music, sing songs in
honour of their saint. Many of the choirs are dressed in traditional costume,
making the event even more spectacular.
February (date to be confirmed) 2010
Bilbao Carnival
During the carnival celebrations there are colourful parades with fun
entertainment for the whole family and party atmosphere takes over the city
centre. Details are still to be published.
Local Fiestas in Gerona / Girona for 2010
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Gerona / Girona for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Gerona / Girona for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| January 9th to April 30th |
Hanukkah |
Festivity of lights |
| February 3rd to 7th |
Firarebaixa |
A fair of winter bargains |
| April 23rd |
Día de Sant Jordi |
St. George’s day |
| May 8th to 16th |
Festival de flores |
Flower festival |
| June 17th to 19th |
Etnival |
Ethnic festival |
| June 21st |
Dia de musica |
International music day |
| June 26th to July 12th |
Festival de Músicas Religiosas |
Religious music festival |
| June 25th to August 29th |
Noches musicales del Centenario |
Nights of music |
| July programme |
Escènit |
Summer cultural programme |
| September 19th to October 7th |
Festival de Jazz |
Jazz festival |
| October |
Festival de la cine |
Festival of cinema |
| October 1st and 29th |
Festival de Sant Narcís |
Patron saint of Gerona / Girona |
During the summer months, there’s a programme of theatre, music, dance,
street fairs for every weekend. The weekly markets are held on Tuesday and
Saturday mornings on the banks of the River Ter.
At the end of October Gerona celebrates its annual festival of San Narcis with
musical performances, street fairs and markets. There are giant figures in
processions and the traditional fire-run, etc. As well as a trade fair and fun
fair, with various attractions. This is one of the liveliest fiestas in Girona,
and a great occasion for the locals and visitors to enjoy.
Local Fiestas in Granada for 2010
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Granada for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| Date |
Local Fiestas in Granada for 2010 |
UK equivalent or translation |
| January 2nd |
Dia de la Toma de Granada (Fiesta de la Reconquista) |
Fiesta for Granada (Festival of the Conquest of Granada) |
| February 7th |
San Cecilio Fiesta |
Fiesta of Saint Cecilio |
| February 14th to 16th and 21st to 22nd |
Carnaval de Granada |
Granada carnival |
| February 28th |
Dia de Andalucía |
Fiesta for the
Andalucían region |
| March 9th to 14th |
Festival Internacional de Tango de Granada |
International Tango Festival |
| May 3rd |
Dia de la Cruz (Cruces de Mayo) |
Day of the cross (crosses of May) |
| May – date to be confirmed |
Festival International de Teatro |
International festival of theatre |
| May 26th |
Aniversario de Mariana Pineda |
Anniversary of Marina Pineda |
| June – date to be confirmed |
Fiesta del Albayzin |
Fiesta of Albayzin |
| June 3rd |
Corpus Christi |
Corpus Christi day |
| June 24th to July 14th |
Festival Internacional de Música y Danza |
International festival of music and dance |
| September 8th |
Fiesta de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias en Nigüelas |
Local saint : Lady of Angustias in Nigüelas |
| October – date to be confirmed |
Festival International de Jazz |
International Jazz Festival |
| November 22nd |
Festival de magia |
Hocus Pocus Festival |
February 14th 2010
Granada carnival
10:00 Official start of the carnival
13:00 Declaration of the carnival including a parade with the ‘Carnival
princesses’
February 15th 2010
Granada carnival
16:00 Children’s carnival parade, including the children of the city’s local
schools.
February 16th 2010
Granada carnival
16:00 to 16:30 Registration, in the town hall, of the children who want to
participate in the parade of masks. There are two age groups: Infantil – up to
and including 12 years old and Juvenil from 13 to 16 years old.
16:30 Children’s parade of masks
19:00 Reception in recognition of the IES (university) of Granada for their work
on the carnival this year and during the past years. This is held in the
‘Actor’s room’ in the town hall.
February 21st 2010
Granada carnival
12:00 Registration, in the town hall, of all the fiesta groups and music groups
who want to participate in the carnival parade. Initial inscription needs to be
made at the town hall before the 11th of February.
16:00 Carnival parade of the fiesta groups and music groups.
February 22nd 2010
Granada carnival
This is a day used for rest and recuperation from the weekend’s celebrations and
is a day when the local business day a day off!
June 3rd 2010
Corpus Christi
During the festival of Corpus Christi there are many activities that take place
in and around Granada, including flamenco dancing shows and children's
entertainment for example, workshops and bouncy castles.
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