On Friday, August 15, Spain will observe a national holiday celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a significant Catholic feast day.
Falling on a Friday this year, the bank holiday will create a long weekend, offering a welcome long break for those not working weekends, often referred to as the “puente de agosto” (August Bridge). This long weekend festival will no doubt cause intensified traffic on Thursday and Sunday as hundreds of thousands take advantage and take to the roads.
The festivity, more about spending time at the beach these days than in Catholic tradition, commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary ascended body and soul into heaven, a dogma officially proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
As a non-transferable national holiday that cannot be moved by local authorities, the Assumption is observed across all Spanish autonomous communities. However, in some towns, it may coincide with local holidays. 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?
Public offices will be closed, such as councils and health centres, as will be banks and many local shops. Most supermarkets and shopping centres on the coast will continue to take advantage of the masses of tourists and maintain their regular hours, with exception, of course, of Mercadona, who typically stick to public bank holiday calendars. Nonetheless, the Valencian-based supermarket chain is showing signs of modernisation. In many coastal locations, they will be opening in the morning until 3pm, while inland, most supermarkets, including Mercadona, will be observing a day of rest for their employees.
Some towns will be celebrating the Catholic feast day in a big style, with street processions, and popular church masses.
Looking ahead, Spain will observe four more national holidays in 2025: the National Day of Spain on October 12 (observed on October 13, a Monday for the workers), All Saints’ Day on November 1 (a Saturday), Constitution Day on December 6 (a Saturday), and Christmas on December 25 (a Wednesday). Those who work weekends may particularly benefit from the Saturday holidays.
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary remains a much loved tradition, mixing religious significance with the joy of a mid-summer break across Spain. Most, however, won’t bother with church, and just head down to the beach, to be honest.