Spain’s Constitution Day, which falls on Sunday 6 December this year, will be moved to Monday 7 December in ten regions. Combined with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday 8 December, a national holiday, this gives workers in those areas four consecutive days off, from Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 December, without taking any annual leave.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
The arrangement creates what Spaniards call a puente, literally a “bridge” between the weekend and a public holiday. The December puente is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Which regions are affected?
The Monday holiday applies in Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, Extremadura, the Madrid region, Murcia, La Rioja and the autonomous city of Melilla.
Regional governments in Spain may move national holidays that fall on a Sunday to the following Monday, which is why the dates vary across the country.
What about Mallorca, the Canaries and the Costa Blanca?
The Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, the Valencia region and Catalonia are not among the regions moving the holiday. According to the current calendar, Monday 7 December will be a normal working day there. Tuesday 8 December, however, remains a public holiday across the whole of Spain, and many employees in those regions are expected to take the Monday as a day’s leave to secure a long weekend.
Residents should also check their local calendars, as each municipality sets two additional holidays of its own, which may alter the picture.
Practical advice for residents and visitors
Official appointments: Government offices, notaries and banks are closed on public holidays. Anyone needing to deal with paperwork such as NIE applications, driving licence matters or tax affairs is advised to plan ahead.
Shopping: Many supermarkets close or operate reduced hours on public holidays, so it is worth checking opening times in advance.
Traffic: Heavy congestion is expected on Friday afternoon and on Tuesday evening as people travel to and from their destinations. Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, usually announces special measures and increased checks for the holiday period.
Travel bookings: Hotels, trains and domestic flights tend to fill up quickly over the December puente, and prices rise accordingly. Early booking is recommended.
