Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected Madrid public holidays in 2023.
Some of the most typical tourist attractions of the capital of Spain could close or reduce their opening hours during the bank holidays in Madrid.
Therefore, it is essential you know which are the national holidays in Madrid for 2023 when planning your trip to Spain.
Rest assured, there is always something to do in Madrid, especially if you are traveling with children.
Many stores and landmarks are open on Sundays and public holidays. And you have plenty of lovely green areas for outdoor activities to enjoy Madrid´s nice weather.
Like the other Spanish regions, there will be 14 holidays in Madrid in 2023 to commemorate historical and religious events.
That is why the Madrid holidays are an excellent opportunity to understand the most historic traditions of the city. Don´t be shy and take part in the festivities like a local.
However, if you are planning to do some sightseeing in Madrid on any of the following dates, be aware that some of the most popular landmarks could close or reduce their opening hours. Always double-check the opening times before heading to the attractions.
These are the 14 Madrid holidays in 2023. Click on every item to expand and display the whole information about the significance of each holiday:
List of Madrid holidays in 2023
January 1 (Sunday) | New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year. Obviously, this public holiday in Madrid takes place on the same day every year. It is not considered a holiday in Madrid in 2023 as it falls on Sunday. Locals celebrate the beginning of a new year at home. It is a family day for all locals. For some, it is a day to welcome the new year and relax after New Year´s eve party. For others, this public holiday in Madrid is the perfect moment to implement lifestyle changes known as “New Year’s Resolutions”. These get early to do some sport or enjoy a stroll before lunch with family.
January 6 (Friday) | The Three Kings (Epiphany)
Epiphany is a Christian feast day that mainly commemorates the visit of the Three Kings to the Christ Child. This bank holiday in Madrid is special for kids. The night before, they leave their clean shoes behind the Christmas tree, and some sweets and drinks for the Kings and the exhausted camels. When they wake up they will find the presents delivered by the Three Kings. It is a tradition to buy a Spanish pastry called ‘Roscón de Reyes’ and enjoy a sweet breakfast with the family.
March 20 (Monday) | Saint Joseph’s Day
The Community of Madrid has moved in 2023 this public holiday from Sunday to Monday. This day commemorates Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and legal father of Jesus Christ. But for most locals this date is remarkable for being the Father´s Day, which has also been celebrated on 19 March since the Middle Ages. That is why this is a day to spend time with the family, eat out, and kids usually prepare a surprise or small gift at school for their fathers.
April 6 (Thursday) | Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is a public holiday in Spain and many other countries. It is the day during the Easter celebration that commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the 12 Apostles. Easter, like Christmas, has accumulated a great number of traditions, some of which have little to do with the Christian celebration of the Resurrection but derive from folk customs and old traditions. You do not have to be Christian to partake in the celebrations. Easter is quite a busy time in Spain, and thousands of tourists arrive to enjoy the processions and brotherhoods, virgins and saints, and also the typical food and the nice weather. With a jam-packed schedule of events, Madrid celebrates the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Thousands of people go to Madrid to see the processions that take place on the city’s streets. Jesús del Gran Poder and Esperanza Macarena is one of the most popular processions. Some of the most traditional dishes of this public holiday in Madrid are torrijas, rosquillas, Soldaditos de Pavía, cod croquettes, and chickpea stew.
April 7 (Friday) | Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday during Easter commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. Keep in mind that the date of this bank holiday in Madrid varies from one year to the next. In many countries and territories with a strong Christian tradition, this day is observed as a public holiday. In the United States, 12 states observe Good Friday as a state holiday. It is especially remarkable in Madrid the procession of Jesús Nazareno de Medinaceli.
May 1 (Monday) | Labor Day
International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day, is a celebration of laborers and the working classes that occurs every year on May 1st. It is the most remarkable date for the rights of the workers and a fundamental pillar of the labor movement. May 1st commemorates a major workers’ strike in Chicago in 1886, which demanded the law enacting the eight-hour workday. If you are visiting Madrid on this date you will find several major demonstrations running through the capital of Spain, and several roads closed to traffic.
May 2 (Tuesday) | Day of the Community of Madrid
May 2 is a special date for the Community of Madrid as it commemorates the uprisings of 1808, in which civilians rose up against the occupation of Madrid by French troops. There is a popular square in Madrid “Plaza del Dos de Mayo” in the Malasaña neighborhood in honor of one of the uprising’s heroines, Manuela Malasaña, who was executed by French troops in the aftermath of the revolt. As this public holiday in Madrid follows Labor Day (May 1st), many locals leave the city to take advantage of the long weekend. The ones staying in Madrid will enjoy a varied cultural program for all ages of theater, flamenco, music, cinema, and charitable activities.
May 15 (Monday) | San Isidro Labrador (Patron Saint of Madrid)
San Isidro Labrador’s Day is one of the most celebrated Madrid holidays. San Isidro was an 11th-century poor peasant farmer who was born and died in Madrid. Over one hundred miracles have been attributed to San Isidro, Patron Saint of Madrid. One of the most famous miracles took place in the Miracle Well inside the Museum de los Origenes, where San Isidro supposedly saved his son by causing the water level to rise. If you are visiting the capital of Spain during this public holiday, it is the perfect occasion to enjoy the most authentic essence of Madrid. Many locals still dress up in the traditional garb of the period called “Chulapo or Chulapa” which is Madrid’s regional dress. Some of the San Isidro celebrations include a pilgrimage to San Isidro’s meadow to drink the holy water of his fountain, the procession of the image of San Isidro and his wife, Santa Maria de la Cabeza, concerts, bullfighting, as well as tasting the traditional “rosquillas”.
July 25 (Tuesday) | Santiago Apostol (Saint James’ Day)
July 25 is NOT a public holiday in Madrid in 2023. On Saint James’ Day (Santiago Apostol) some regions in Spain commemorate the life and actions of James, one of Jesus’ apostles. This holiday is significant in Galicia, as the remains of St James are buried in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. That is why this city has become one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world. Each year, thousands of pilgrims walk or cycle along the different pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Being late July, most locals in Madrid have already left the city to the mountain and the seaside. Therefore, this Madrid holiday is an excellent moment to visit the most popular landmarks as they will be less crowded.
August 15 (Tuesday) | Assumption Day
Assumption of Mary, or simply “Assumption Day,” is a 2023 public holiday in Spain and many other countries, particularly in Europe and South America. This bank holiday commemorates the belief that when Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, died, her body was “assumed” into heaven to be reunited with her soul. Several processions and special church services are held in Madrid on this holiday. However, as commented above, most locals have already left the city for their Summer holidays.
October 12 (Thursday) | Spain’s National Day
This important public holiday in Spain is also traditionally and commonly referred to as Hispanic Day. Spain´s National Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the American continent on October 12, 1492. This was a historical date for the planet as it brought contact between two totally different worlds: Europe and America. Its purpose is to remember the different moments of collective history that are part of the Spanish historical, cultural and social heritage. Although this is a national holiday in Spain, the most important event takes place in Madrid. Thousands of people meet in Paseo de la Castellana to enjoy the military parade presided by the King and the tribute to the national flag. The Monarch, the Royal Family, and the most important representatives of the State are present on this Madrid holiday.
November 1 (Wednesday) | All Saint’s Day
It is true that Halloween is becoming more and more popular every year, especially for families with kids. But this public holiday commemorates All Saint´s Day which takes place on November 1. This Spanish public holiday is a very special date for most locals. It´s a day of remembrance where people visit the cemeteries to remember their dearly departed and bring flowers to the graves. In Madrid, La Almudena cemetery comes alive on this holiday. It is the day of the year when most flowers are sold. There are a few traditional sweets that the Spanish eat on All Saints’ Day. The most popular are the so-called “huesos de santo” (in English, “saint’s bones”), which are made of marzipan rolled into finger-sized tubes filled with sweet egg yolk. Also, “buñuelos de viento” (puffs of wind), which are like little doughnuts filled with custard, whipped cream, or chocolate. Although this Madrid holiday may appear too commercialized, it is actually a day of strong emotions for the majority of the locals.
November 9 (Thursday) | Nuestra Señora de la Almudena
This major regional holiday in Madrid is a significant and traditional day for the residents of the city. There are several legends about the Virgin of Almudena statue. The most popular assures that the residents sealed the icon with two candles inside the town’s walls for protection when Muslim armies were approaching. When Madrid was reconquered 4 centuries later, the spot on the wall hiding the icon crumbled, unveiling the statue with the two candles still burning. The Virgin of the Almudena is the patroness of Madrid and the statue can still be seen today, inside the Cathedral. On this Madrid municipal holiday in 2023, a large outdoor mass is celebrated in the Plaza Mayor. Then, the statue of the Virgin is carried back to the Cathedral in a public procession.
December 6 (Wednesday) | Spanish Constitution Day
Spain enacted the National Constitution on December 6, 1978, after its approval in a constitutional referendum. This date was declared Constitution Day and a national holiday. This is a significant day for the country since it represents the culmination of the Spanish transition to democracy after the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, who had ruled over Spain as a military dictator for nearly 40 years. The Spanish Congress opens its doors to the public, it is a unique opportunity if you are spending this public holiday in Madrid. The flag of Spain is prominently displayed on Constitution Day. You can also enjoy the traditional raising of the largest Spanish flag in the world which takes place in the Plaza de Colón. December 6 is often considered the start of a 5-day holiday period in Madrid. As another national holiday takes place on December 8 (Immaculate Conception) many locals in Madrid take December 7th off, to enjoy an extremely long weekend.
December 8 (Friday) | Immaculate Conception
The Immaculate Conception is a national holiday in Spain that commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin all her life by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God. A large percentage of the Spanish population are Roman Catholics, and this day is considered one of the most important celebrations in the Roman Catholic Church’s Liturgical Year. Apart from the religious celebrations, during this holiday in Madrid you will find the Christmas lights already switched on. Madrid at Christmas time is especially beautiful, you can breathe the magic. I love wandering through the streets of Madrid with the Christmas lights shining and the smell of roasted chestnuts.
December 25 (Monday) | Christmas Day
Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is celebrated extensively around the world by over 2 billion people. Many of the traditions we associate with Christmas have evolved over the centuries and many people who are not Christian still participate in Christmas celebrations. This public holiday in Madrid is a time for family and traditions. And for hope, gratitude, and solidarity as well. Christmas is not just celebrated on December 25 but is a month-long celebration. It is traditional to adorn your home with a Christmas tree and lights. Although the Three Kings are more popular among Spanish kids, Santa Claus is gaining popularity and many children find some presents under the Christmas tree on December 25. “Turrón”, “polvorones”, and “roscón de reyes” are some traditional foods you should try in Madrid at Christmas.
Weekly closing days in Madrid
While planning your sightseeing in Madrid, consider that most of the most popular landmarks in Madrid regularly close one day a week.
For instance, some of the most popular museums in Madrid are open from Tuesday to Sunday, and remain closed on Mondays.
In my post on the best free museums in Madrid, you can check the opening hours, and the weekly days and Madrid public holidays when you will find them closed.
Sundays in Madrid
Aside from many important bank holidays, some shops and businesses in Madrid operate on Sundays with variable hours.
However, as Madrid’s regulations allow for unlimited flexibility in setting business hours, most establishments in tourist areas, particularly those surrounding Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, are open every day, including Sundays and bank holidays.
Besides, all the large shopping centers and department stores in Madrid’s city center and outskirts are open on Sundays and public holidays too.
School holidays in Madrid in 2023
School holidays are usually an excellent time for visiting Madrid, especially in summer.
Most families leave the city and head to second residences on the mountain or seaside. Therefore, you could find museums and other landmarks less busy than at other times of the year.
The Community of Madrid established the school calendar for the 2023 academic year with the start and end dates, the Christmas and Easter holidays, and the rest of the non-school days.
The main dates are listed below:
Easter vacations: Between April 1 and April 10, 2023.
Summer Holidays: Between June 22 and September 6, 2023.
Christmas Holidays: Between December 23, 2022 and January 8, 2023.
Besides, the following days are school holidays in Madrid too:
February 24 and 27
March 20
March 31
April 10
May 1 and 2
October 12 and 31
November 1
December 6, 7, and 8
For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of visiting other countries is learning about public holidays and festivals and comparing them to those in my home country.
I hope you find this article helpful if you want to check if today is a holiday in Madrid.
Although museums, monuments, and other major tourist attractions remain open on most Madrid holidays, opening dates may vary, so be sure to check on them beforehand.
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