Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is marked by a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a profound cultural influence globally. Known for its royal palaces, ancient Roman ruins, and iconic landmarks like the Alhambra and Sagrada Família, Spain blends its historical legacy with vibrant modern life. Its regions, from the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic north to the Mediterranean coast, are distinct in culture and cuisine, famous for tapas, flamenco, and festivals like La Tomatina. Spain’s warm climate, lively cities, and picturesque villages make it a captivating and diverse country.
List of Public and National Holidays for Spain in the year 2024
- New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January 2024
- Epiphany: Saturday, 6 January 2024
- Good Friday: Friday, 29 March 2024
- Easter Monday: Monday, 1 April 2024
- Labour Day: Wednesday, 1 May 2024
- National Day of Spain: Saturday, 12 October 2024
- All Saints’ Day: Friday, 1 November 2024
- Constitution Day: Friday, 6 December 2024
- Christmas Day: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- St Stephen’s Day: Thursday, 26 December 2024
- Assumption of Mary: Thursday, 15 August 2024
Autonomous Community Holidays:
- Shrove Tuesday (Extremadura): Tuesday, 13 February 2024
- Andalusia Regional Holiday (Andalusia): Wednesday, 28 February 2024
- Balearic Islands Regional Holiday (Balearic Islands): Friday, 1 March 2024
- St Joseph’s Day (Murcia & Valencia): Tuesday, 19 March 2024
- Maundy Thursday (National except Catalonia & Valencia): Thursday, 28 March 2024
- Canary Islands Regional Holiday (Canary Islands): Thursday, 30 May 2024
- Castile-La Mancha Regional Holiday (Castile-La Mancha): Friday, 31 May 2024
- La Rioja Regional Holiday (La Rioja): Sunday, 9 June 2024
- Murcia Regional Holiday (Murcia): Sunday, 9 June 2024
- San Antonio (Ceuta): Thursday, 13 June 2024
- Eid al-Adha (Ceuta & Melilla): Monday, 17 June 2024
- St John’s Day (Catalonia & Valencia): Monday, 24 June 2024
- National Day of Galicia (Galicia): Thursday, 25 July 2024
- Saint James’ Day (Basque Country, Cantabria, Madrid & Navarre): Thursday, 25 July 2024
- Our Lady of Africa (Ceuta): Monday, 5 August 2024
- Day of Ceuta (Ceuta): Monday, 2 September 2024
- Asturias Regional Holiday (Asturias): Sunday, 8 September 2024
- Extremadura Regional Holiday (Extremadura): Sunday, 8 September 2024
- National Day of Catalonia (Catalonia): Wednesday, 11 September 2024
- Day of Melilla (Melilla): Tuesday, 17 September 2024
- Valencian Regional Holiday (Valencia): Wednesday, 9 October 2024
- Virgin of Almudena (Madrid): Saturday, 9 November 2024
- San Francisco Javier (Navarre): Tuesday, 3 December 2024
- Immaculate Conception Holiday (Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Castile and Leon, Extremadura, Melilla & Murcia): Monday, 9 December 2024
Facts and Infos about Spain
- Population: 45 million (UN 2010)
- Capital: Madrid
- Area: 505,988 sq km (195,363 sq miles)
- Money: 1 euro = 100 cents
- Internet domain: .es
- International dialling code: +34
Spain, a country in southwestern Europe, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and significant influence in world history. Its unique blend of historical and modern elements makes it a fascinating destination. Here’s a comprehensive summary:
History
- Ancient and Roman Times: Home to Iberians, Celts; later part of the Roman Empire.
- Moorish Period: Ruled by Moors for centuries, leaving a lasting architectural and cultural impact.
- Reconquista and Empire: Christian reconquest completed in 1492, followed by a global empire.
- Civil War and Dictatorship: Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, followed by Franco’s dictatorship.
- Transition to Democracy: After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain transitioned to democracy.
Geography
- Location: Located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering France, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Land Area: Approximately 505,990 square kilometers.
- Terrain: Diverse, with coastal areas, mountains like the Pyrenees, and arid regions in the south.
- Climate: Varied, from Mediterranean to continental and oceanic climates.
Economy
- Diverse Sectors: Strong in sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
- Eurozone Member: Part of the European Union and the Eurozone.
- Challenges: Faces issues like high unemployment and regional economic disparities.
Culture
- Languages: Spanish (official), with regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician.
- Rich Heritage: Known for Flamenco music and dance, bullfighting, and fiestas.
- Art and Architecture: Home to artists like Picasso, Dalí; famous for Gaudí’s architecture.
- Cuisine: Renowned for dishes like paella, tapas, and a thriving culinary scene.
Tourism
- Popular Destinations: Includes cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
- Historical Sites: Rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Alhambra, Sagrada Família.
- Beaches and Islands: Attracts tourists to Costa del Sol, Balearic and Canary Islands.
Society and Politics
- Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
- Social Progress: Notable in healthcare, education, and gender equality.
- Regional Diversity: Autonomous communities with distinct cultures and identities.
Sports
- Football: Passionate football culture with top teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
- Other Sports: Success in tennis, basketball, and motorsports.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Economic Recovery: Efforts to recover from economic crises and improve employment rates.
- Catalonia Issue: Ongoing political challenges with Catalonia’s independence movement.
- Sustainable Tourism: Balancing tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation.
Conclusion
Spain’s blend of historical depth, cultural richness, scenic diversity, and modern vibrancy make it a compelling nation with a profound impact on global culture and arts.
