Spain's May Bank Holidays Explained: What's Open and Closed on May 1 and 2

Two Days Off — But Not Everywhere

Millions across Spain will enjoy a public holiday on Friday, May 1, 2026 for Día del Trabajo (Labour Day) — a national holiday that applies everywhere from the Canary Islands to Cataluña. But an extra day off on Saturday, May 2 only applies in one place: the Community of Madrid.

May 1 — National Holiday Across All of Spain

Labour Day on May 1 is one of Spain's fixed national public holidays. Across the country, expect:

• Banks and public offices: Closed
• Schools: Closed
• Shops: Variable — many smaller shops will be closed, but larger supermarkets, shopping centres and businesses in tourist areas often open with reduced hours
• Bars and restaurants: Typically open, often busier than usual
• Tourist attractions: Usually open, though some may have adjusted schedules

In coastal areas and major cities, the practical impact on daily life is modest — but it is worth checking ahead if you need a specific service or are planning errands.

May 2 — Madrid Only

May 2 is the Día de la Comunidad de Madrid, a regional holiday commemorating the 1808 Madrid uprising against French occupation — the same event immortalised in Francisco de Goya's famous paintings The Second of May 1808 and The Third of May 1808, which hang in the Prado.

In 2026, May 2 falls on a Saturday, which means Madrid residents do not gain an extra weekday off — the holiday lands on a day when most people are already not working. The main extra day of the long weekend remains Friday, May 1.

Visitors to Madrid on May 2 may notice local celebrations, busier parks, higher demand at restaurants, and some reduced services — but tourist attractions typically remain open.

The Rest of Spain's 2026 Bank Holidays

After the May long weekend, the next national public holidays in Spain are:

• August 15 — Assumption of the Virgin
• October 12 — Spain National Day
• November 1 — All Saints' Day
• December 8 — Immaculate Conception
• December 25 — Christmas Day

Note that many regions also have their own additional local and regional holidays on top of the national calendar — worth checking for your specific area.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 28, 2026.