Public holiday in Spain
New Year's Day in Spain
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
New Year’s Day is a nationwide public holiday in Spain on 1 January. It begins the calendar year and follows the late-night celebrations of Nochevieja on New Year’s Eve.
About New Year's Day in Spain
In Spain, New Year’s Day is a nationwide day off that marks the first day of the year after the late-night festivities of 31 December. It is mainly a quiet recovery day: many people spend it with family, rest at home, or travel after the previous night’s celebrations. Because it falls right after one of the biggest social nights of the year, it is often linked in practice with the New Year period rather than treated as a stand-alone event.
History
Spain adopted the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, and 1 January became established as the start of the civil year in line with wider European usage. The date later became a standard public holiday in modern Spain under national holiday arrangements, with its observance continuing across the country.
Traditions
A common custom is to eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, one for each bell strike that marks the turn of the year. Many people also toast with cava, exchange good wishes, and stay up for late-night family or neighbourhood gatherings. In Spain, the day itself is usually quieter than the night before, so the main social customs are concentrated on the transition into midnight rather than on 1 January.
How New Year's Day is celebrated in Spain
On 1 January, public life is noticeably subdued in much of Spain. Families often eat a late lunch, rest after the previous night, or make short visits to relatives. In some cities, New Year’s concerts, sporting events, or informal gatherings may take place, but the day is generally low-key compared with New Year’s Eve.
Interesting facts
Spain is especially associated with the televised countdown from Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where the clock’s twelve chimes set the pace for the grape-eating ritual. The first day of the year is also the lead-in to Spain’s longer holiday season, which continues toward Epiphany on 6 January in many households.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 Jan 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.