Spanish Holidays

Christianity has influenced the Spanish people so much that it has actually changed much of their culture. Below is a list of the 10 most important holidays in Spanish speaking countries.

 

Although there are some variations of the Spanish language throughout the world Spanish speaking people can still communicate to each other just as an American and a Britain can still understand each other even though there are quite a few differences in the languages themselves.

 

Spanish Holidays are understood by all Spanish speaking peoples and most all of them are celebrated at the same time of the year. It does not matter what country you are in.

 

New Year in Spanish is Ano Nuevo, it is celebrated at the same time as the rest of the world, January 1st. Fireworks, parades, and street dances are a very common sight on this day. It is celebrated in every Spanish speaking country.

Carnival is spelled the same in Spanish but pronounced slightly different. It is celebrated in most of the Spanish speaking countries and it is associated with Lent, a Roman Catholic custom which is associated with the fasting. This is another time for parades, costumes, fireworks, and Carnival Queens.

 

Easter which is called Pascuas or Semana Santa is another Christian holiday that has influenced every Spanish speaking country. As everyone knows that is the day that represents the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also celebrated in every Spanish speaking country, and it starts on Sunday thru Saturday before the first Sunday after the full moon, or after March the 21st. Much of the population goes to church and celebrates Semana Santa just like in the United States, with church services and a huge dinner.

 

All Saint’s Day or Halloween in Spanish Halloween is Dia de los Muertos, and it is celebrated on November the 21st. In every Spanish speaking country, however, it is celebrated in various ways. This is the time that they honor their dead ancestors and celebrate the process of life and life after death.

 

The fifth and most celebrated is the Christmas or Navidad. Every Spanish speaking country celebrates it the same as everyone else in the world and exchanges gifts. It also is on December the 25th and it is all about the birth of Jesus.

 

Since all of the Spanish speaking countries originated from Spain, it is very interesting that Spain celebrates some special Holidays that other countries do not. For instance Spain is the only country that celebrates Columbus Day on October the 12th. In Spanish it is called Fiesta Nocional de Espana. They have parades, street dances, and many other activities to celebrate Christopher Columbus and the nation of Spain.

 

Beginning on June the 19th through the 24th Spain celebrates the Bonfires of Saint John or Les Fogueres de Sant Joan which is a celebration with fireworks, large parties, street dances and huge bonfires.

 

On August the 15th Spain also celebrates the Assumption of Mary or Asuncion, which is the belief held by Christians of the Roman Catholic and other Orthodox churches that believe the Virgin Mary was physically taken up into heaven. It is celebrated with much feasting.

 

Constitution Day or Dia de la Constitucion is celebrated on December 6th, honoring the constitution of Spain. This brings great pride for Spain.

 

Spain also celebrates the Immaculate Conception which is honoring the birth of Mary the mother of Jesus. Inmaculada Concepcion is also celebrated with much feasting.

 

 

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