Spanish workers can start making plans for 2026: the official holiday calendar has been released, bringing two extended national weekends. Although the total number of days off will be slightly lower than the previous year, favorable holiday dates will allow many people across the country to enjoy mini-vacations without having to take extra unpaid leave.
The first long weekend will fall in May: Labor Day (May 1) in 2026 is on a Friday. This means a full three-day break—ideal for a short trip or some time outdoors. The second extended weekend is expected in autumn: Spain’s National Day (October 12) will be on a Monday, adding another long weekend.
Different regions of the country continue to observe their own traditions. For example, in Andalucía, Madrid, Aragón, and Extremadura, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is declared a day off. Thus, in some autonomous communities, All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Constitution Day (December 6) will be celebrated on Monday, creating extra long weekends at the regional level.
In 2026, Spaniards will have 11 national holidays, eight of which will be observed across the entire country. Seven of these cannot be moved to other dates: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Labor Day, the Assumption of Mary, National Day, the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas. Additionally, Epiphany (January 6) will remain a day off in most regions, even though it can technically be replaced by a local holiday.
Regional differences and traditions
The holiday calendar in Spain has always been diverse. For example, Catalonia and the Valencian Community do not include Maundy Thursday (April 2) as an official holiday, even though in most other regions it will be a day off. On the other hand, these regions, along with Galicia, maintain the celebration of San Juan (June 24), a date deeply rooted in local tradition.
Some regions also celebrate other special dates. For instance, San José (March 19) will be a holiday in Galicia, Murcia, Navarra, the Basque Country, and the Valencian Community. Saint James’ Day (July 25) will only be observed in Galicia and the Basque Country. Easter Monday (April 6) is a holiday in the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Navarra, the Basque Country, La Rioja, and the Valencian Community.
In Castilla-La Mancha, Corpus Christi (June 4) will once again be celebrated, while Asturias and Catalonia will continue to observe St. Stephen’s Day (December 26). Along with national and regional dates, each autonomous community adds its own holidays, making Spain’s calendar exceptionally rich.
Plan your holidays in advance
Although there will be slightly fewer public holidays in 2026 compared to 2025, their distribution allows you to make the most of your days off. Two major national long weekends and additional regional holidays offer opportunities to plan trips or simply relax without the hassle of arranging vacation leave. For many, this is a chance to spend more time with family or take a short trip around Spain.
