Celebrating Holidays In Spanish (Vocabulary)

Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day)

This holiday is celebrated on February 2nd and is a religious observance that marks the end of the Christmas season.

Día de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe)

This holiday is celebrated on December 12th and honors the Virgin Mary, who is considered the patron saint of Mexico.

Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)

This holiday is celebrated on February 5th and commemorates the signing of Mexico’s constitution in 1917.

Benito Juarez’s Birthday (Día de Benito Juarez)

This holiday is celebrated on March 21st and honors the birthday of Benito Juarez, a former Mexican president who is considered a hero for his work in promoting democracy and justice.

Brazil

Brazil has many holidays that are unique to its culture and history. Some of the holidays celebrated only in Brazil include:

Carnaval

Carnival is celebrated in all Spanish-speaking countries, but Brazil is characterized by being the most eccentric when it comes to celebrating these dates. 

In fact, it is a very tourist country for carnivals. This is a five-day celebration held annually before the Catholic observance of Lent. It is marked by parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

Tiradentes Day

This holiday is celebrated on April 21st and commemorates the anniversary of the execution of Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, who was a leader in the Brazilian independence movement.

Día da Independência (Independence Day)

This holiday is celebrated on September 7th and marks the anniversary of Brazil’s independence from Portugal in 1822.

Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Our Lady of Aparecida)

This holiday is celebrated on October 12th and is a Catholic observance that honors the patron saint of Brazil.

Proclamation of the Republic

This holiday is celebrated on November 15th and marks the anniversary of Brazil’s proclamation of a republic in 1889.

Venezuela

Battle of Carabobo Day

This holiday is celebrated on June 24th and commemorates the decisive battle of the Venezuelan War of Independence, which took place on June 24, 1821.

Bolívar Day

This holiday is celebrated on July 24th and honors Simon Bolivar, the military leader who played a key role in Venezuela’s independence from Spain.

Feast of the Assumption

This holiday is celebrated on August 15th and is a Catholic observance that honors the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

Indigenous Resistance Day

This national day is celebrated on October 12th and commemorates the resistance of indigenous peoples against European colonization.

Colombia

Día de San Jose (Saint Joseph’s Day)

This holiday is celebrated on March 19th and is a Catholic observance that honors Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and Colombia’s patron saint.

Batalla de Boyacá (Battle of Boyaca Day)

This holiday is celebrated on August 7th and commemorates the decisive battle of the Colombian War of Independence, which took place on August 7, 1819.

Independencia de Cartagena (Independence of Cartagena Day)

This holiday is celebrated on November 11th and marks the anniversary of the city of Cartagena’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1811.

Spain

Tomatina of Buñol

This is one of the most internationally known celebrations since the so-called “Spanish festival with tomato war” is acclaimed in several continents. 

It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August, being very curious to see its pitched battle of throwing these fruits or vegetables in the town square and surrounding streets such as San Luis and Cid.

The April Fair

With its origin in 1846, it all began as a livestock fair in the Prado de San Sebastian during the month of April. This spring festival has come to expand in such a way, that it came to leave aside that commercial interest in the pursuit of a social character and meeting along the three official days, 18, 19, and 20 of the month.

Fiestas of the Pilar in Zaragoza

The 12th of October is marked with fire in the calendar of the people of Zaragoza. The festivities of its patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar, are celebrated from the weekend before that date until the following one. 

The festivities last all week, with religious and recreational events, contests, and other events of popular interest such as the dance of the jota.

Fallas in Valencia

Beginning with the Pregón on the last Sunday of February, (except 2021, which are celebrated between September 1 and 5), these festivities in honor of St. Joseph have become one of the most important celebrations in Spain. 

In honor of carpenters, and that Valencia had a tradition in this art, they are celebrated since the nineteenth century.

Corpus Christi in Granada

Another of the festivities of religious origin celebrated for having ended up Christianizing the Arab lands. It is more than 500 years old, starting with the “alumbrao” on a Saturday and ending the following Saturday with fireworks. 

The big week is one of the biggest traditions in Spain, with a fairground full of activities and shows. It is usually held at the end of May or early June but depends on the Holy Week. 

Argentina

Día de la Memoria (Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice)

This holiday is celebrated on March 24th and commemorates the anniversary of the 1976 military coup that led to a period of dictatorship, known as the “Dirty War.”

Día de la Bandera (Flag Day)

This holiday is celebrated on June 20th and commemorates the death of Manuel Belgrano, who designed the Argentine flag, in 1820.

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)

This holiday is celebrated on July 9th and marks the anniversary of Argentina’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1816.

Día de la Soberanía Nacional (National Sovereignty Day)

This holiday is celebrated on November 20th and commemorates the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, a key moment in Argentina’s struggle for sovereignty in 1845.

Cuba

Triunfo de la Revolución (Triumph of the Revolution)

This holiday is celebrated on January 1st and commemorates the victory of the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro and his allies in 1959.

Día de la RebelDía Nacional (National Rebellion Day)

This holiday is celebrated on July 26th and commemorates the start of the Cuban Revolution in 1953.

Día de los Trabajadores de la Educación (Education Workers’ Day)

This holiday is celebrated on December 22nd and honors the educators of Cuba.

Día de la Cultura Nacional (National Culture Day)

This holiday is celebrated on October 20th and commemorates the first time the Cuban national anthem was performed in public in 1868.

Aniversario del Asalto al Cuartel Moncada (Anniversary of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks)

This holiday is celebrated on July 26th and commemorates the attack led by Fidel Castro against the Moncada Barracks in 1953, which marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.

Puerto Rico

Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud (Abolition of Slavery Day)

This holiday is celebrated on March 22nd and commemorates the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873.

Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)

This holiday is celebrated on July 25th and commemorates the adoption of the Puerto Rican Constitution in 1952.

Día de la Recordación (Remembrance Day)

This holiday is celebrated on November 19th and honors the Puerto Rican soldiers who have died in service to the United States.

Costa Rica

Día de la Anexión del Partido de Nicoya (Annexation of Guanacaste Day)

This holiday is celebrated on July 25th and commemorates the annexation of Guanacaste, a province in Costa Rica, from Nicaragua in 1824.

Día de los Boyeros (Oxcart Drivers’ Day)

This holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday of March and honors the traditional oxcart drivers who were once an important part of Costa Rican culture and commerce.

Día de las Culturas (Day of Cultures)

This holiday is celebrated on October 12th and honors the cultural diversity of Costa Rica and the Americas, including indigenous, African, and European cultures.

Día de la Abolición del Ejército (Abolition of the Army Day)

This holiday is celebrated on December 1st and commemorates the decision made in 1948 to abolish the army in Costa Rica and redirect its resources toward education, health care, and other social services.

Chile

Día de la Raza (Day of the Race)

This holiday is celebrated on October 12th and commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas and the merging of indigenous and European cultures.

Día de la Virgen del Carmen (Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)

This holiday is celebrated on July 16th and honors the patron saint of Chile.

Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)

This holiday is celebrated on September 18th and 19th and commemorates Chile’s independence from Spain in 1810. It is marked by parades, traditional dances, and the consumption of traditional Chilean food and drink.

Get Started With SpanishVIP!

Experiencing holidays in Spanish is not only a fantastic way to immerse oneself in the rich culture and traditions of Spain but also a great opportunity to expand one’s Spanish vocabulary. 

As the summer holidays approach, one cannot help but get into the holiday mood, anticipating the vibrant festivities that lie ahead.

From the warm embrace of el verano to the jubilant spirit of Independence Day, each holiday destination in Spain offers unique celebrations that are deeply rooted in their traditions. 

A very important holiday such as La Semana Santa, or Easter Monday, allows visitors to witness the remarkable processions and religious fervor, while the bank holiday weekend, like Día de la Madre, provides an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. 

April Fool’s Day, known as “Día de los Santos Inocentes” in Spain, and Año Nuevo add a touch of light-hearted fun and joy to the holiday season. 

National holidays such as these not only give everyone a break from their daily routines but also bring people together in a spirit of unity and festivity.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to explore the country’s picturesque holiday resorts or delve into the colorful history of each national holiday, you will undoubtedly be captivated by the diverse customs and enchanting allure of Spain. 

Don’t forget to brush up on your Spanish vocabulary before embarking on this journey, as it will enable you to fully appreciate the nuances of each celebration. 

With an abundance of unforgettable experiences awaiting you, holidays in Spanish are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. 

So why not dive headfirst into the vibrant world of Spanish festivities and let the holiday season sweep you off your feet? If you want to start celebrating holidays like a native, try a free 1:1 class or free 7 days of group classes and discover why SpanishVIP lessons are so successful for hundreds of students!