Avoid being caught by the August Bank Holiday

The Assumption Day of Mary is a major Catholic feast that will be celebrated in Spain on Friday, 15 August. 

As the bank holiday fell on a weekend this year, it created a long, relaxing weekend. It is also known as “puentes de agosto”, or August Bridge. Traffic will be a bit heavier on Thursday and/or Sunday due to this long weekend festival.

In 1950, Pope Pius XII officially declared the dogma of the Virgin Mary ascending body and spirit into heaven. The celebration is now more about beach time than Catholic tradition.

Assumption, a national holiday which cannot be transferred by local authorities is observed in all autonomous communities of Spain. It may, however, coincide with local public holidays in some towns. Notably, residents of La Nucía in Alicante will enjoy an extended four-day weekend, as their local holiday on August 18 falls on a Monday.

August bank holiday – What’s open? What’s closed?

Banks, councils, health centres and local shops will all be closed. The majority of supermarkets and shopping centers on the coast continue to benefit from the large number of tourists by maintaining their normal hours. Mercadona is the exception to this rule, as they usually adhere to the public bank holidays calendar. Valencian supermarkets are showing signs of progress. Many coastal areas will open in the mornings until 3pm. Inland, supermarkets including Mercadona will observe a rest day for their staff.

Some towns will celebrate the Catholic feast day with street procession and popular church mass.

In 2025, Spain will celebrate four additional national holidays: Constitution Day (December 6), the National Day of Spain (October 12), and Christmas (December 25). The Saturday holiday is especially beneficial for those who work on weekends.

Assumption Day is a popular tradition in Spain, combining religious significance and the fun of a midsummer holiday. To be honest, most people will just go to the beach and skip church.