In 2025, Catalonia’s national holiday, Diada, falls on Thursday, September 11. This can affect residents’ plans, as it offers an opportunity for a long weekend—a timely prospect at the start of autumn, when the weather remains mild.
However, for many families and students, the main question is how school and work schedules will be organized during this period. According to the official calendar published by the Government of Catalonia, September 11 is a public holiday throughout the autonomous community. At the same time, Friday, September 12, remains a regular school and workday, unless individual educational institutions decide to declare it a day off at their own discretion.
The academic year for preschoolers, primary, and secondary school students is set to begin on Monday, September 8. Those enrolled in baccalaureate or vocational programs will start classes on Friday, September 12, immediately after the holiday. Advanced courses in the arts and sports start on September 15, while language schools will open their doors on September 22. The last school day before the winter holidays is scheduled for December 19, with classes resuming on January 7, 2026.
In addition to the official dates, each educational institution has four extra days that can be used to extend holidays. This allows some schools and lyceums to declare September 12 a day off, resulting in a four-day break from Thursday to Sunday. Employees can also take advantage of this opportunity by requesting leave to extend their time off.
In 2025, Barcelona will have 15 public holidays, including two city-wide ones: June 9 (Pascua Granada) and September 24 (Mercè). The latter falls on a Wednesday, which does not allow for a long weekend, but remains an important date for city residents due to large-scale events and traditional celebrations.
