In 2024, Spain’s National Day, October 12th, lands on a Saturday, leading many to wonder if an extra public holiday will be granted. Spain’s Fiesta Nacional de España, also known as Día de la Hispanidad, celebrates Spanish history and culture with grand events like military parades, especially in Madrid. However, since the holiday falls on a weekend, the decision to offer an additional day off typically depends on individual regional governments. Some regions may choose to give workers either Friday or Monday off, but this isn’t guaranteed nationwide.
Workers and businesses across the country are keen to know if they will enjoy a long weekend, as many in Spain look forward to holiday extensions known as “puentes” (bridge holidays), a common practice in the country when public holidays fall close to weekends. While no national decree has been made at the moment, there is speculation that regional authorities will offer guidance in the days leading up to the celebration.
Traditionally, the day includes commemorations of Spain’s rich heritage, often highlighting its ties to the Spanish-speaking world. While the holiday is a major event in the country, what remains to be seen is how various autonomous communities will handle the Saturday scheduling, particularly for sectors where weekends are already non-working days. The announcement of a potential extra holiday will likely come down to the policies of each regional government.
In the meantime, Spanish residents await further news on whether their weekend could be extended.