SPANISH PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

 The Spanish term for a bank holiday/public holiday/legal holiday is día feriado or fiesta nacional.

·  Each autonomous province has regional holidays each year in addition to the standard national holidays. Local holidays usually include a local "community day" and a celebration of certain Saints

·  If a public holiday falls on a Sunday it may be celebrated on a weekday

·  All banks and most shops and museums close on public holidays. Bars and restaurants outside tourist areas may close too

·  Hospitals and emergency services do not close on public holidays

·  Taxis may increase their rates for journeys on public holidays

·  When a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, it is common practice to "make the bridge" (hacer puente) by taking off the Friday or Monday so creating a very long weekend. When this happens you may find businesses running on short staff or smaller family run business closed for the full period

National and Regional Holidays