Public holidays in Alicante

(Except public holidays)

Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

On October 9 , the region celebrates the Day of the Valencian Community , marking the historic entry of King Jaume I into Valencia in 1238.

It’s a public holiday in Alicante, so shops, schools, and offices are closed. While the main festivities happen in the city of Valencia, smaller cultural events, fireworks, and occasional historical parades can also be found in Alicante and nearby towns.

On October 12 , Spain celebrates Día de la Hispanidad , the country’s National Day , commemorating Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. It symbolizes Spain’s global cultural and historical influence.

In Alicante, it’s an official public holiday; shops, schools, and offices are closed.

On November 1 , Spain observes All Saints’ Day , a time to honor and remember deceased loved ones.

It’s a public holiday in Alicante; shops, offices, and schools are closed. Many people visit cemeteries with flowers, and the day is marked by a quiet, reflective atmosphere.

On December 6 , Spain celebrates Constitution Day , marking the approval of the Spanish Constitution in 1978.

It’s a national public holiday; shops, schools, and offices in Alicante are closed. While there are no major celebrations in the city, it’s a moment of national pride and often the start of a long weekend for many Spaniards.

On 8 December, Spain celebrates the Inmaculada Concepción , or Immaculate Conception. This Catholic feast day honours the Virgin Mary and the belief that she was conceived free from original sin. It is a national public holiday in Spain, which also affects visitors: many shops and businesses are closed, while restaurants, cafés and other services may have reduced or adjusted opening hours. The holiday takes place just before Christmas, when Alicante is already filled with festive lights, decorations and seasonal activities. Together with Constitution Day on 6 December, it often creates a long holiday weekend in Spain.

Nochebuena , or Christmas Eve, is one of the most important celebrations of the Spanish Christmas season. Families come together in the evening for an elaborate dinner and often celebrate late into the night. 24 December is not an official public holiday, but many shops and businesses close earlier in the afternoon, allowing people to spend the evening with their families. Keep this in mind if you are planning to shop or run errands during the day

On 31 December, Spain celebrates Nochevieja, or New Year's Eve. Families and friends come together for a festive dinner, and at midnight, people traditionally eat twelve grapes, one with each chime of the clock, for twelve months of good luck in the new year. 31 December is not an official public holiday, but many shops and businesses close earlier in the afternoon because of the celebrations. Spaniards often spend the evening at home with family, but cities also organise festive events, including special dinners, parties and, of course, the countdown to the new year.

Welcome the New Year in Alicante. New Year's Day is a public holiday in Spain, so many shops and businesses are closed and restaurants and other services may have reduced opening hours. The real celebrations take place the night before, when locals traditionally eat twelve grapes at midnight to welcome the new year. You can do this in the mainstreet of Alicante, the Rambla. Here they also have a stage with music during the night! As it is a public holiday, many shops, supermarkets and businesses are closed, while restaurants, cafés and other services may have reduced or adjusted opening hours.

Three Kings Day is one of Spain's most beloved Christmas traditions. On the evening of 5 January, the spectacular Cabalgata de Reyes takes over the streets of Alicante with colourful floats, music and the arrival of the Three Kings. On 6 January, families celebrate at home and exchange gifts. A magical Spanish tradition that's especially lovely to experience when visiting Alicante in winter. This day is a public holiday, so many shops and businesses are closed, while some restaurants and other services may operate with adjusted opening hours.

Experience Carnival in Alicante on the Rambla; I promise you've never seen so many people in costume all in one place!

Alicante is incredibly romantic; if you know where to go. Download the Highlights Map Alicante and receive more than 20 romantic, locally curated tips , personally selected by me.

From indulgent massages and strawberries to intimate, candle-lit dining, everything you need to celebrate love in Alicante, effortlessly.

Father’s Day in Spain; Everything is closed on this day.

This is the week before Easter. It is a very important week in Alicante. There are many processions and celebrations. When the exact program is available, I will publish it here.

It’s a significant public holiday in Spain, especially in traditionally Catholic regions like the Costa Blanca. Many shops, restaurants, and businesses are closed, and you’ll often find solemn religious processions taking place in towns and cities across the country.

It’s the day after Easter Sunday and, in some regions of Spain (including the Comunidad Valenciana), it's a public holiday. Many locals spend the day with family or enjoy a relaxed picnic in nature.

Santa Faz – A centuries-old pilgrimage in Alicante. Each year, thousands walk from the city to the Santa Faz monastery, blending devotion with a festive local atmosphere.
It’s an official holiday, so schools and many shops are closed.

On May 1st , Spain celebrates Labour Day, a national public holiday when most businesses and shops are closed.
It’s a day of rest for many, sometimes marked by peaceful demonstrations or cultural events in larger cities.

On the first Sunday of May, Spain celebrates Día de la Madre, or Mother's Day. Families traditionally celebrate with flowers, gifts and a special lunch or dinner together. It is not a public holiday, so shops and businesses generally remain open as usual. Restaurants and cafés can be particularly busy, as many families head out to enjoy a meal together.

The sculptures are usually set up at June 20 , placed in squares and major intersections across the city. Each neighborhood presents its own creation; colorful, satirical, and artistically detailed.

🔥 Highlight: On the night of June 24 (La Cremà) , all the hogueras are ceremonially burned in a spectacular display, marking the fiery end of the festivities.

On the evening of June 23 , Alicante comes alive with the magical celebration of San Juan . Thousands gather on the beach around bonfires to welcome the summer in a night full of energy and tradition.
With fireworks, music, and rituals like jumping over flames or midnight dips in the sea, it’s one of the most vibrant and symbolic nights of the year.

The day after the magical night, June 24 is an official public holiday in Alicante: Día de San Juan .
Shops, offices, and schools are closed, and the city takes a collective breath after the festivities; a quiet moment following one of the most energetic nights of the year.

One of the Costa Blanca's most beautiful summer traditions is the Virgen del Carmen Festival, celebrating the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers. Every year on 16 July (around 20.30), the seaside town of El Campello comes alive with one of its most cherished events.

The highlight of the celebration is the maritime procession, where the statue of the Virgin is carried across the Mediterranean aboard a decorated fishing boat, accompanied by dozens of fishing and pleasure boats. Thousands of spectators gather along the promenade, the beach and the harbour to witness this moving tradition, making it one of the region's most memorable cultural experiences.

Once the procession returns to shore, it continues through the streets of Carrer la Mar. Traditionally, the evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the beach, creating a magical finale. (For 2026, however, the fireworks have been cancelled due to the extreme wildfire risk.)

On August 15 , Spain celebrates the Assumption of Mary , a national public holiday.
In Alicante, it’s generally a quiet day; shops and offices are closed, and many locals take the opportunity to relax or spend time with family. There are no major events in the city itself, but in some nearby villages, you might find traditional festivities.