SPAIN may seem to grind to a halt in August and many businesses close up for vacaciones, at least outside of resort towns, but August 15 is the one day that is officially a holiday across Spain.
This year, 2024, it falls on a Thursday which means workers across Spain are enjoying a long weekend.
When this occurs on a weekend it is up to regional authorities to decide whether they want to move the festivo to Monday.
This may seem strange but each year Spain’s autonomous regions can choose which days they want to observe as bank holidays outside of the few that are set as national bank holidays by Spain’s central government to bring their region up to the quota of 14.
The date August 15, is celebrated because it marks the Assumption of the Virgin, which in the Christian faith commemorates the day the Virgin Mary entered heaven and that means Mass is held at churches across Spain on this day.
This means there is also likely to be a fiesta taking place somewhere near you.
In Madrid, it is celebrated at the Virgen de la Paloma with a street festival and music events on stages in the La Latina district, traditional chulapo outfits for the locals and partying until dawn.
Many coastal towns celebrate with impressive firework displays while most people just use the day as an opportunity to meet with friends and family and enjoy a day at the beach.
Or else return to the traditional family pueblo and enjoy the fiesta.
All public offices are closed as well as most businesses and even supermarkets will operate Sunday opening hours if they are not shut up entirely for the day.
The Catholic saint’s calendar is a list of people recognized by the Church as saints or blessed on a specific date.
The Roman Martyrology is the document that names and distributes in the calendar the almost 7,000 saints and blessed recognised by the Church.
According to Catholic tradition and doctrine, the Assumption of the Virgin is the belief that the body and soul of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, was taken to Heaven after she ended her days on Earth.
August 15th is a national public holiday in Spain, and many shops, businesses, and offices are typically closed, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
However, in larger cities and tourist areas, some shops, particularly those in shopping centres, tourist districts, and essential services like supermarkets, may remain open, though they might have reduced hours.
It’s always a good idea to check with specific stores if you plan to shop on August 15th in Spain.
While the holiday has religious significance, it’s also a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy the summer festivities.
The next public holiday observed across Spain won’t be until the National Day on October 12.
