Spain is known for its rich culture, colorful traditions, and festive atmosphere. Every year, numerous national holidays mark public life that takes on a different form than usual. For those who live in Spain, have a second home, or are coming on holiday, it's useful to know which days these are – and what exactly there is to experience.

In this blog we provide an overview of the national holidays in 2026 , with special attention to the regions of Comunidad Valenciana , Murcia and of course our home base Torrevieja .

National Holidays in Spain in 2026

These are the general holidays that are in effect throughout Spain:

• January 1 – New Year (Año Nuevo)
• January 6 – Epiphany (Day of the Magi)
• April 3 – Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) (depending on region)
• April 4 – Good Friday (Viernes Santo)
• May 1 – Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
• August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin (Asunción de la Virgen)
• October 12 – National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)
• November 1 – All Saints Day (Todos los Santos)
• December 6 – Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
• December 8 – Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)
• December 25 – Christmas (Navidad)

These days are generally considered official holidays throughout the country.

Public holidays in Comunidad Valenciana (2026)

The Valencian Community – which includes Costa Blanca South – has several important regional celebrations in addition to national holidays. Below you'll find the most relevant ones.

March 19 – Día de San José (Valencia)

Valencia celebrates this day with the world-famous Fallas , a spectacular festival full of colorful images, music, fireworks and parades.
Although the highlights take place in the city of Valencia, municipalities in the Alicante province (such as Alicante, Elche and Benidorm) also celebrate their own Fallas.

Easter Monday – Lunes de Pascua (regional holiday)

In the Valencian Community, Easter Monday is a public holiday. Many families go out, picnic, or enjoy the typical "mona de pascua" (holiday) .

October 9 – Día de la Comunitat Valenciana

The regional holiday of the Comunidad Valenciana.
There are parades, cultural events, historical parades and fireworks displays, especially in Valencia city.

Public holidays in the Region of Murcia (2026)

Murcia has its own traditions and additional holidays that are often strongly religious or historically inspired.

The Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Murcia is known for its unique processions with beautiful Baroque statues, especially in Murcia city and Cartagena.

The Bando de la Huerta (after Easter)

One of Murcia's biggest festivals: a colorful folkloric festival where people wear traditional costumes and there is music, food and parades everywhere.

Cartagena – Carthago Nova festivities (September)

Historical reenactments of the battle between the Romans and Carthaginians. A must-see for visitors!

Local Holidays in Torrevieja (2026)

Torrevieja has local celebrations throughout the year that are typical of the city and its maritime history.

February – Carnival

One of the most famous carnivals in the province of Alicante with large parades, fancy dress competitions and live music.

July 16 – Virgen del Carmen

Patron saint of sailors.
In Torrevieja this is an important festival, with:

• processions by sea
• fireworks
• concerts and street parties

October – Fiestas Patronales

Major city festival in honour of the patron saints of Torrevieja.
Expected:

• fairground attractions
• parades
• concerts
• cultural and sports activities
• local gastronomy

Christmas period & Epiphany

From December onwards, Torrevieja is transformed into a city of lights with Christmas markets, concerts and the popular Cabalgata de Reyes (6 January).

Are stores open on public holidays?

In Spain, most shops are closed on national and regional holidays , with some exceptions:

General guidelines

• Supermarkets : usually closed, except for some large chains in tourist areas (Carrefour, Consum, Alcampo… sometimes with reduced hours).
• Shopping centers : often closed, but some open on specific “tourist Sundays”.
• Restaurants & bars : usually open – holidays are often busy days.
• Pharmacies : there is always an “on-call farmacia” (pharmacy service).

Specific for Torrevieja

Torrevieja is a tourist area, so:

• More shops are open on holidays, especially in the summer months.
• Habaneras Shopping Center opens regularly on Sundays and holidays (check annual schedule).
• The promenade, markets and beach boulevards are almost always lively.

What is there to do during the holidays?

In the Valencian Community

• Fallas (Valencia and Alicante region)
• Fireworks shows
• Local markets and street parties
• Easter traditions such as “mona de pascua”

In Murcia

• Folkloric festivals (Bando de la Huerta)
• Historical parades (Carthagineses y Romanos)
• Gastronomic events

In Torrevieja

• Processions, parades and concerts
• Sea procession Virgen del Carmen
• Fairs & children's activities
• Local gastronomy (tapas routes, food trucks)
• Evening markets and summer festivals

Conclusion

Whether you live in Spain, are visiting, or have a second home on the Costa Blanca or Costa Cálida, the holidays always bring life to the city. With wonderful traditions, fun local events, and a unique atmosphere, these days are the perfect way to experience Spain at its best.

Do you live in the Torrevieja region or are you considering buying a property in Spain? Then these holidays are the perfect time to discover how vibrant and diverse life is here.