Top holidays celebrated in Spain

Many holidays celebrated in Spain bring families together through shared meals, religious traditions, parades, and community events. Whether you’re celebrating your Spanish heritage or supporting family and friends from abroad, understanding these traditions can help you stay close during important moments throughout the year.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most important holidays celebrated in Spain, including Semana Santa, Christmas traditions, Three Kings Day, and well-known regional celebrations such as Las Fallas and La Tomatina. We’ll also look at ways families can support one another during these special occasions.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important religious holidays celebrated in Spain. Taking place during the week leading up to Easter, it commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ’s life and is observed through religious events and community traditions across the country.

Cities such as Seville, Málaga, and Valladolid are especially known for their Semana Santa celebrations. Brotherhoods carry elaborate religious floats through the streets while communities gather to take part in traditions that have been passed down through generations.

For many families, Semana Santa is a meaningful time to reflect, come together, and participate in cultural and religious customs that remain an important part of Spanish life.

Nochebuena and Navidad (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Christmas celebrations in Spain often begin with Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve. Families gather for festive meals, spend time with those who matter most, and enjoy traditions that vary by region.

While Christmas Day remains an important holiday, many Spanish families place special emphasis on time spent together during Nochebuena. The Christmas season in Spain also extends beyond December 25, continuing into January with one of the country’s most anticipated celebrations: Three Kings Day.

For families living abroad, Christmas can be an especially meaningful time to stay in touch through phone calls, gifts, and financial support for those who depend on you back home.

Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

How Three Kings Day is celebrated

One of the most beloved holidays celebrated in Spain is Three Kings Day, observed on January 6.

According to tradition, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar, known as the Three Wise Men, brought gifts to the baby Jesus. In Spain, many children receive their main holiday presents from the Three Kings rather than from Santa Claus.

The celebration begins on the evening of January 5 with parades known as Cabalgatas de Reyes. The Three Kings travel through towns and cities, greeting families and distributing sweets to children.

Many children also leave food and water for the Kings’ camels before going to bed, eagerly awaiting gifts the next morning.

Another favorite tradition is sharing Roscón de Reyes, a sweet ring-shaped cake often enjoyed with family and friends.

Why Three Kings Day is important to Spanish families

In many countries, gift exchanges primarily take place on December 25. In Spain, however, January 6 remains one of the most anticipated days of the holiday season.

The extended celebration gives families more opportunities to spend time together and reinforces traditions that have been shared across generations. For many households, Three Kings Day is a celebration of family, generosity, and community.

Regional celebrations across Spain

Spain’s regional traditions are just as important as its national holidays. Different communities celebrate unique local festivals that reflect their history, culture, and identity.

Las Fallas

Held each March in Valencia, Las Fallas is one of Spain’s most recognized celebrations.

Artists spend months creating large sculptures known as fallas, which are displayed throughout the city before being burned as part of the festival’s closing events.

The celebration brings together art, music, fireworks, and local traditions, making it an important annual event for many communities in Valencia.

La Tomatina

La Tomatina takes place each August in the town of Buñol.

Known for its large-scale tomato-throwing event, the celebration began as a local tradition and has become one of Spain’s most widely recognized festivals.

Today, the event remains an important part of the town’s local identity and annual celebrations.

Supporting family in Spain during the holiday season

For Spanish families living abroad, holidays are often a time to reconnect, celebrate traditions, and support those who depend on you.

Sending money can help family members prepare for celebrations, purchase Three Kings Day gifts, host family gatherings, or manage seasonal expenses. Even a small contribution can help them participate in important traditions and create meaningful memories together.

Western Union offers several convenient ways to send money internationally.

You can:

1. Begin a money transfer
2. Explore different ways to send money
3. Transfer funds using the Western Union mobile app
4. Send funds through mobile wallet transfers
5. Learn more about how to send money to Spain

Celebrate Spain’s holidays while staying close

The holidays celebrated in Spain reflect the importance of family, community, tradition, and shared experiences. From the religious observances of Semana Santa to the excitement of Three Kings Day and the local traditions of Las Fallas and La Tomatina, each celebration highlights a different part of Spanish culture.

No matter where you live, being there for family and friends during these occasions can help strengthen family bonds and keep traditions alive. Whether you’re sharing a call, sending a gift, or providing financial support, small gestures can make a meaningful difference during the holiday season.