Madrid's 2016 public holidays

Index

January

January 6^th Epiphany

On the 6^th of January the Spanish people celebrate Dia de los reyes, or Three Kings Day. This is the official day of gift-giving in Spain, instead of December 25th.

March

March 24 Maundy Thursday

Famously known as Holy or Good Thursday, this holiday celebrates the day of the last supper Jesus had with his disciples, and the night when Jesus was betrayed by Judas.

March 25^th Good Friday

May

May 1^st Labor day

May 2^nd Community Festival of Madrid

Comunidad de Madrid is a holiday that is celebrated exclusively in Madrid. This day marks the occasion when the citizens of Madrid rebelled against the French occupation. Despite the result of the rebellion, in which many died and others were incarcerated, the action inspired future rebellions, leading to the start of the Peninsular war and independence of Spain from France.

May 15^th Feast of San Isidro

San Isidro was a poor farmer married to Santa Maria de la Cabeza. Despite their humble conditions, Isidro and Maria often donated food to the poor. Their generosity made them famous all across Madrid.

San Isidro is not only the patron saint of the laborers and the peasants but is also the patron saint of Madrid. On the 15^th of May, people go to San Isidro’s meadow to drink the holy water of his fountain and to celebrate him.

The Feast of San Isidro is celebrated during nine days, bringing concerts, dance and other attractions to the city.

August

Agust 15^th Assumption Day

This religious holiday celebrates the death of Mary and the assumption of her body into heaven.

October

October 12^th Hispanic Day

Spain’s National Holiday is the day where the country celebrates the day when Christopher Columbus arrived to the Americas. Madrid commemorates this day with a huge military parade and other festivities.