Holidays in Spain
When taking a holiday, sometimes
it's interesting to see everyone celebrating at the same time. Although
it can be a nice break to visit Spain in August at the height of the summer
holidays, you're most likely to be surrounded by other British, German,
Scandinavian, and American holidaymakers.
If that's your only opportunity
to take time off work, don't fret and make the most of the occasion, but
keep in mind that it's also the time that most Spanish workers take a break
and do exactly the same thing as you - take off to a better location! In
terms of climate, natural resources, and friendly temperament, you're hard
pushed to find somewhere that rates higher than Spain, but that doesn't
mean that people don't try!
For a fantastic perspective
of Spanish life across the country or in a particular region, it's fascinating
to witness Spanish
public holidays. That's right, not the holidays spent at Costa Blanca
beaches, Barcelona
hotels, or Madrid museums, but those marked by family and community
occasions.
Admittedly, August is the
time of year when most small villages and towns have their ferias and fiestas;
however it's also possible to find entire shops and businesses closed for
the duration of the month. Public holidays aren't a good time to do any
shopping, as up to 90 percent of commercial centres close, but museums
and many bars and restaurants will remain open.
 
What are the highlights of
the Spanish calendar of public holidays? Año Nuevo (New Year)
is certainly a must-see, however don't expect it to be celebrated as wildly
as in Sydney Harbour, Los
Angeles hotels, or old town squares throughout Central and Eastern
Europe. New Year's Eve has its fair share of revellers, and makes a wonderful
party - especially with a bunch of grapes! The tradition is to eat one
grape each time the clock strikes at midnight, or twelve
grapes in twelve seconds. Buy your grapes early though, for as the
year draws to a close they can become tricky to find.
For a true taste of Spain,
or what many British expats call "the Spanish Christmas", the Three Kings
Parade is held on the evening of January 5th for the Dia de Reyes
(Epiphany) regional holiday on January 6th. San José Dia Del
Padre (St. Joseph's Father's Day), held on March 20, is also a classic
affair, particularly in Valencia where they celebrate "Las
Fallas", the renowned fire festival.
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