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Barcelona Public Holidays List

Barcelona Public Holidays Guide

So, you’re planning a trip to Barcelona—amazing choice! But hold up… before you start dreaming about churros and Gaudí, there’s one thing you should totally check first: public holidays.

Yep, Barcelona takes its holidays seriously.

Some shops and attractions might close, and on other days, the entire city feels like one big street party.

Here's a simple rundown to help you plan better (and maybe catch a cool parade or two).

Table of Contents

New Year’s Day – 1 January

It’s the start of the year and the city’s pretty chilled out. Most people spend this day relaxing or recovering from the night before.

  • Shops and museums? Mostly closed.
  • Locals usually spend time with family.
  • If you're around, go for a calm walk and enjoy the quiet streets.

Epiphany – 6 January

This one’s big in Spain. It's the day the Three Wise Men bring gifts to the kids, kinda like a second Christmas.

  • The night before (Jan 5), catch the **Three Kings Parade** — it’s magical!
  • Lots of bakeries sell “Roscón de Reyes” — a sweet cake with a surprise inside.
  • Shops? Closed. Families? Together. Vibe? Cozy.

Good Friday & Easter Monday – Dates Vary

Easter in Barcelona is peaceful and not as over-the-top as in other places, but it’s still meaningful.

  • On **Good Friday**, you might see religious processions around town.
  • **Easter Monday** is more about chilling out with family.
  • Shops and museums might be closed, especially on Good Friday.

Labour Day – 1 May

This is all about workers’ rights — a day off for most people.

  • No parades, just a day of rest.
  • Some folks go on a quick getaway.
  • Shops and offices are generally shut.

Feast of St John – 24 June

Get ready for fireworks and beach parties — this one’s wild!

  • It’s called **La Nit de Sant Joan** (St. John’s Eve).
  • Expect bonfires, fireworks, and music everywhere — especially by the beach.
  • The 24th itself is a public holiday, so recovery day mode is ON.

Assumption Day – 15 August

This mid-August holiday is mostly a chill day for locals and religious folks.

  • It’s a Catholic celebration of the Virgin Mary.
  • Don’t expect big parties, but do expect closures.
  • A good excuse to go explore a quieter Barcelona.

National Day of Catalonia – 11 September

Locally called **La Diada**, this one’s super important for Catalans.

  • It marks a historic loss during the War of the Spanish Succession, but it’s now about Catalan pride and culture.
  • You’ll see flags everywhere, plus political events and peaceful marches.
  • Great time to understand the local identity.

La Mercè – 24 September

This is **Barcelona’s own party**, and it’s awesome!

  • Honoring Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercè), the city goes full festival mode.
  • Expect giant puppets, live music, fireworks, and **human towers (Castells)** — it’s wild.
  • Everything’s lively, and most businesses are closed.

Spanish National Day – 12 October

This is a national holiday across Spain, also called **Hispanic Day**.

  • Military parades happen in Madrid, but in Barcelona, it’s more low-key.
  • Still, many businesses and public places close.
  • Good day to explore the quieter corners of the city.

All Saints’ Day – 1 November

This one’s a peaceful holiday for remembering loved ones who’ve passed.

  • Cemeteries are visited with flowers — it’s a heartfelt tradition.
  • Shops? Closed. City? Calm.
  • You can try “panellets” — sweet little almond-based treats.

Constitution Day – 6 December

Celebrates the day Spain became a democracy again after the dictatorship.

  • It’s more patriotic than party.
  • Many locals use the day off to take a mini vacation.
  • Museums and stores often close, so plan ahead.

Immaculate Conception Day – 8 December

A religious day that kicks off the Christmas vibes in the city.

  • Lots of people attend mass or relax at home.
  • You’ll see holiday decorations going up around this time.
  • Shops may be closed, but the city feels festive.

Christmas Day – 25 December

Classic Christmas! Think cozy vibes, family feasts, and quiet streets.

  • Shops and attractions? Closed.
  • Families gather for a big lunch.
  • Public transport runs on limited schedules.

St Stephen’s Day – 26 December

In Catalonia, Christmas gets an encore.

  • Another family day with more food and gift-giving.
  • Not celebrated in all of Spain, but a big deal here.
  • Great day for relaxing walks — just don’t expect stores to be open.

So there you go — a quick, casual guide to Barcelona’s public holidays! Some are party-packed, others are super chill, but all of them shape the local vibe.

Whether you’re planning museum visits, shopping sprees, or just want to avoid a closed-door day, keeping these holidays in mind will make your trip way smoother.

And hey, if you can catch a giant puppet parade while you're at it...

even better!

Images sources: Wikimedia.org