School Holidays in Spain 2024-2025

Planning your family’s year around school holidays? School holidays are a great opportunity for families to plan a trip and create shared experiences. Spain is known for offering an ample school holidays for students to relax and unwind, and the academic year 2024-2025 is no exception! Whether you’re exploring local traditions or jetting off to sunny destinations, knowing the key dates is crucial. Here’s your complete guide to public holidays, term breaks, and other school holidays across Spain for the upcoming school year.

Overview of School Holidays in Spain (2024-2025)

In Spain, national holidays are determined by the central government through the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy (Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social) and are observed across the entire country. However, the country’s 17 autonomous regions also have the authority to add their own regional holidays and to set their own school calendar.

Accordingly, below is a summary of the national holidays that apply across the country and the rough term break periods:

List of Major Public Holidays in Spain 2024-2025

As mentioned above, regional governments can and often do set holidays in addition to national holidays to reflect local traditions, religious observances, or cultural festivals. For example, a region might celebrate its own patron saint’s day or a significant local historical event as a public holiday. Additionally, municipalities can designate a couple of local holidays specific to their area. As a result, the exact dates can vary depending on where you live. Here’s a list of the major public holidays observed across most of the country:

1. Assumption of Mary: Thursday, 15th August 2024
2. National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España): Saturday, 12th October 2024
3. All Saints’ Day: Friday, 1st November 2024
4. Constitution Day: Friday, 6th December 2024
5. Immaculate Conception Holiday: Sunday, 8th December 2024 (Note: It is observed only in Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Castile and Leon, Extremadura, Melilla & Murcia)
6. Christmas Day: Wednesday, 25th December 2024
7. New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1st January 2025
8. Epiphany (Three Kings' Day): Monday, 6th January 2025
9. Good Friday: Friday, 18th April 2025
10. Easter MondayMonday, 21st April 2025 (Note: It is observed only in Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Cantabria, Catalonia, La Rioja, Navarre & Valencia)
11. Labor Day: Thursday, 1st May 2025
12. Assumption of Mary: Thursday, 15th August 2024

For the full list of your autonomous region’s public holiday calendar in 2024-2025, please visit the Official Announcement.

On public holidays in Spain, schools are typically closed, allowing students and staff to observe the holiday. These closures apply to both national and regional public holidays. Depending on the specific holiday, schools may also organize events or activities leading up to the break, especially during significant cultural or religious holidays like Christmas or Easter.

List of Term Breaks and Other School Holidays

In Spain, each regional government of the 17 autonomous communities has the authority to set its own school calendar, including the dates for term breaks such as Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays, based on regional traditions and policies. For instance, the Easter holidays for the 2024-2025 school year are set for April 12-21 in Catalonia and April 12-23 in Castille and Leon. As a result, the specific dates for term breaks can vary widely from one region to another across the country.

In general, the term breaks across regions follow a general pattern. Here’s a breakdown of the major school breaks in the academic year 2024-2025:

Major Term Breaks 2024-2025

1. Autumn Term Break: Typically the first week of November from Friday, November 1st, 2024, to Thursday, November 7th, 2024, coinciding with All Saints’ Day. The exact dates may vary depending on the region.
2. Christmas Break: Generally, from around 23rd December 2024 to 7th January 2025. This includes both Christmas and Epiphany, which is a significant celebration in Spain.
3. Winter Term Break: Usually aligned with Carnaval, which can vary by region. In 2025, it’s expected around late February or early March.
4. Easter Break: Typically includes Holy Week (Semana Santa), with holidays usually starting from Good Friday (18th April 2025) and lasting through Easter Monday (21st April 2025).
5. Summer Break: Spanish schools usually end their academic year in late June, with the summer holidays stretching through to early or mid-September. Exact dates vary by region, but parents would usually be notified on the first and last day of the academic year by the local education authorities way in advance.

For the exact school holiday calendar for 2024-2025, please check the regional government website, for example, the Official Audalusia Government website, Catalonia Government website and Aragon Government Website.

Variations Based on the Type of School

In Spain, the differences in term breaks across various types of schools—public, private, and international—stem from the distinct educational frameworks and regulations they follow.

1. Public Schools: These schools strictly follow the calendar set by the regional government, with holidays aligned with local traditions and regional public holidays. The breaks typically include Christmas, Easter, and summer, with specific dates varying slightly by region.
2. Private Schools: Private institutions, while often aligning with regional holidays, may adjust their calendars based on their educational goals or specific programs they offer. For example, they might include additional breaks or slightly different term start and end dates to accommodate extra-curricular activities, exams, or specialized curriculum needs. Additionally, individual schools may have their own unique holiday schedules, including additional days off for activities like teacher training.
3. International Schools: IB tutors in Spain point out that international schools usually follow the academic calendar of the country or educational system they are affiliated with, such as the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) systems. For instance, a British international school in Spain might align its breaks with the UK school calendar, which could mean differences in the timing and duration of holidays like Easter or summer break. This approach helps maintain consistency for students who may transfer between schools in different countries.

In conclusion, the Education System in Spain designs its school calendar to align with regional traditions, public holidays, and local cultural events, ensuring that students can participate in and learn from these cultural experiences while maintaining a balanced academic schedule.

List of Other School Holidays in Spain 2024-2025

In Spain, aside from public holidays and term breaks, there are additional school holidays that can vary by region and type of school:

1. Local Festivals: Many regions and municipalities have their own local holidays, such as San Isidro in Madrid(May 15th, 2025) or La Mercè in Barcelona (September 24th, 2024), where schools may close for a day or two to celebrate.
2. Teacher Training Days: Known as "jornadas de formación," these are non-instructional days set aside for teacher professional development, during which students have the day off.
3. Carnaval: In some regions, schools may close for a few days to celebrate Carnaval, a vibrant pre-Lenten festival. The dates can vary widely by region. For example, Carnaval Monday takes place on March 3rd, 2025 and the city of Cádiz in Andalusia will be closed on that day.

These additional holidays are often region-specific and may vary from year to year, so it’s important to check with local school authorities for exact dates. During some of the local festivals, it may be a good idea to bring your children to join the festivities. As an IGCSE tutor in Spain commented,

"Joining local festivals is a fantastic way for IGCSE students to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, making language learning more vibrant and meaningful. It enriches their cultural understanding and creates a deeper connection with the community."

List of School Holiday Activities

School holidays in Spain offer a wonderful chance to help your children explore, learn, and grow outside the classroom. Here are five engaging activities tailored to make the most of the break:

• Private Tutoring: Keep your child academically strong with personalized support from an IB tutor in Spain. These tutors are well-versed in international curricula, ensuring your child stays on track, whether they're attending one of the Best International Schools in Spain or preparing for key exams.
• Explore Cultural Sites: Take advantage of living in a culturally rich country by visiting iconic locations like the Prado Museum in Madrid. This not only enhances your child’s understanding of the local culture but also provides a deeper appreciation of Spanish art and history, enriching their overall learning experience.
• Language Courses: If your child is still mastering Spanish, consider enrolling them in a Spanish immersion course. These courses are designed for children and are perfect for expat families, helping your child become more comfortable and proficient in the local language, which is vital for integrating into both school and social settings.
• Sports Camps: Sports are an excellent way for children to stay active, make new friends, and build teamwork skills. Enroll your child in a FC Barcelona football camp, where they can train with some of the best coaches in the world. This experience not only promotes physical health but also connects them with other kids who share similar interests.
• Creative Workshops: Encourage your child's creativity by signing them up for workshops at the Madrid Art Center. These workshops offer a range of artistic activities, from painting to sculpture, allowing your child to explore their artistic side in a structured and inspiring environment.

By integrating these activities into your child’s holiday schedule, you’ll help them stay engaged, develop new skills, and make the most of their time in Spain. Whether through academics, sports, or creativity, these experiences will enrich their lives and support their overall development in an international setting.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 school year in Spain is packed with plenty of opportunities for family time, whether during long summer holidays or festive breaks like Christmas and Easter. Make sure to note these dates on your calendar so you can plan trips, activities, and relaxation time to make the most of the school holidays. Remember, the exact dates can vary slightly depending on your region, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with your local school. Happy planning!