Public holiday in Spain
Constitution Day in Spain
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Constitution Day in Spain marks the anniversary of the 1978 Constitution, the democratic charter that defines the country’s political system. It is a nationwide public holiday observed on 6 December.
About Constitution Day in Spain
In Spain, Constitution Day is a nationwide public holiday that commemorates the constitutional referendum of 1978 and the framework that followed. Its significance is legal and civic rather than ceremonial: it recognises the document that established the current democratic state, the structure of government and the rights and freedoms it guarantees. The day sits in the first week of December and is often followed by Immaculate Conception on 8 December, creating a long holiday period in many years. As a public holiday, it affects normal weekday routines across the country, although observance can vary by region and by workplace.
History
After the end of the Franco era, Spain moved toward democracy through a constitutional process that culminated in the 1978 Constitution. The text was approved by referendum on 6 December 1978 and later enacted as the basis of Spain’s current political order. The holiday was established to mark that referendum and to give the constitution an annual civic commemoration.
Traditions
Official and civic acts are the most characteristic form of observance. Public institutions may display the national flag, and political or constitutional ceremonies are sometimes held to mark the anniversary. Unlike a festival with strong folk customs, the day does not have a single nationwide food, costume or domestic ritual associated with it.
How Constitution Day is celebrated in Spain
Many people use the day as part of the early-December holiday period, especially when it forms a bridge with 8 December. In cities, the date may feature institutional events, speeches or ceremonies connected with the constitution and the state. For much of the public, the day is mainly a day off rather than a celebration with set local customs.
Interesting facts
Spain’s Constitution Day falls two days before Immaculate Conception, another nationwide public holiday. The holiday marks the referendum date, not the later promulgation of the constitution. It is one of the clearest examples of a modern civic holiday in Spain.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 Dec 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.