Public holiday in Spain
End of Ramadan in Spain
Friday, March 20, 2026
Regional public holiday
Observed in Melilla
End of Ramadan in Spain is observed regionally in Melilla, where the close of the fasting month is marked by the Muslim community. It is not a nationwide holiday, but it is relevant in Spain’s North African enclave, where Islamic festivals are part of the local calendar.
About End of Ramadan in Spain
In Spain, End of Ramadan refers to the observance of the festival that marks the conclusion of the month of Ramadan in Melilla. Its significance is local rather than national: the day is part of the public-holiday calendar only in that city, reflecting Melilla’s substantial Muslim population and its place within Spain’s religiously diverse urban communities. The holiday sits alongside other Islamic observances in Melilla and is one of the clearest examples of a non-Christian festival being formally recognised at regional level in Spain. For residents and travellers in Melilla, it is a day associated with Muslim communal life and family gatherings rather than a Spain-wide civic event.
History
Melilla’s holiday calendar has long reflected the city’s mixed religious composition, and Islamic festivals were added to the local public-holiday schedule to recognise the Muslim community alongside the city’s Christian, Jewish and Hindu residents. End of Ramadan is one of the holidays that emerged from that local arrangement rather than from national Spanish holiday law.
Traditions
The central religious observance is the Eid prayer, usually followed by visits to family and friends. It is also customary to wear new or special clothing, share sweets and other foods, and give alms to those in need as part of the festival’s charitable meaning.
How End of Ramadan is celebrated in Spain
In Melilla, the day is observed by Muslim residents with prayer, home visits and meals shared after the fasting month ends. Because it is a regional holiday, the city’s public life reflects local community observance more than nationwide activity.
Interesting facts
Melilla is one of the few places in Spain where an Islamic festival appears on the official holiday calendar. The observance highlights the city’s role as a crossroads of different religious traditions within Spain.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 Mar 2026 | — | Melilla |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.