January, the first month of the year, is a time of celebration in Spain. After the Christmas holidays, the first days of the year continue to be marked by traditions, religious events and national and regional holidays that reflect the country's rich cultural diversity.
National Holidays for January 2025
January 1st - New Year's Day (Wednesday)
January 1st is a national holiday throughout Spain, celebrated as the beginning of a new year. This day is marked by family gatherings and an atmosphere of reflection, resolutions, and celebration.
Featured traditions :
- New Year's Eve : On New Year's Eve, Spaniards have a tradition of eating twelve grapes to the rhythm of the midnight chimes, representing good luck for each of the months of the year.
- Toast and party : After the bells ring, it is common to toast with cava and participate in celebrations until the early hours of the morning.
- Quiet gatherings : Day 1 is dedicated to rest and sharing a family meal, which usually includes traditional dishes such as roast lamb or prepared fish.
January 6 - Three Kings Day (Monday)
Three Kings' Day, also known as Epiphany, is one of the most anticipated days, especially for children, as it is when they receive gifts according to Spanish tradition.
Origin : This festival commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar) to Bethlehem to give gifts to Baby Jesus. It is a day of great religious and cultural significance.
Featured traditions :
- Three Kings' Parade : On the night of January 5th, cities and towns across Spain organize parades filled with lights, floats, and music. The Three Wise Men parade around throwing candy to the public, an event that generates great enthusiasm among children and adults.
- Roscones de Reyes : It is customary to eat this typical sweet for breakfast or as a snack with the family. The roscón usually hides a figure and a bean inside: whoever finds the figure becomes the "king" of the day, while whoever finds the bean must buy the next roscón.
- Gift giving : During the early hours of the 6th, the Kings "leave" gifts in homes for children who have been good during the year.
Regional Holidays and Local Celebrations
In addition to national holidays, Spain has specific holidays in certain autonomous communities during January. These reflect deeply rooted local traditions.
January 17 - Saint Anthony
San Antón is the patron saint of animals and one of the most curious and endearing festivals in the Spanish calendar. It is celebrated especially in Madrid, the Balearic Islands and certain towns in Castilla-La Mancha.
Featured traditions :
- Blessing of Animals : People bring their pets to churches to receive a blessing, a tradition that symbolizes divine protection for animals throughout the year.
- Las Vueltas de San Antón : In Madrid and other towns, processions are held where animals are the protagonists, accompanied by traditional music and dances.
- Typical gastronomy : In the Balearic Islands, for example, the festival includes the consumption of products such as sobrasada and ensaimadas, as well as bonfires where meats and sausages are roasted.
Local Festivals in Castile and Leon
In places like Salamanca and León, January is a month of traditional festivals that combine religion with popular customs:
- San Sebastián (January 20) : Although it is not a national holiday, in cities such as San Sebastián and some towns in Castilla y León, this day includes processions and cultural events.
- El Vitor in Mayorga (Valladolid) : A tradition in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot that includes night processions with lit torches and religious chants.
Other Events and Activities in January
Although not all of them are official holidays, January in Spain is a month full of cultural activities and events that attract both locals and visitors.
January Sales
January 7th traditionally marks the start of winter sales across Spain. This season is ideal for those looking for great discounts on clothing, technology, and other products. Shopping centres and stores are packed with shoppers taking advantage of the offers.
Gastronomic Festivals
January is also a month dedicated to gastronomy in many regions of Spain:
- Oil Fair in Jaén : Held in mid-January, this fair highlights the quality of olive oil produced in the region.
- Txakoli Day in the Basque Country : Although more common in spring, typical white wine tastings can begin in January.
Tips for traveling in January
If you are planning to visit Spain in January 2025, please note the following:
- Climate : January is one of the coldest months of the year, especially in inland regions such as Madrid or Castilla y León. Bring warm clothing and an umbrella, as it is also a rainy season.
- Tourist influx : After Christmas, the influx of tourists decreases slightly, allowing visitors to enjoy the destinations more calmly.
- Book in advance : If you wish to attend specific events, such as the Three Kings Parade in large cities, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
The month of January in Spain combines religious festivities, popular traditions and a unique atmosphere that invites both relaxation and celebration. From the family spirit of the New Year to the magic of Three Kings Day and local festivities, January is a month full of cultural significance and opportunities to discover the richness of Spanish traditions.
Whether you are on the peninsula or the islands, January is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the customs and warmth that characterize Spain. Get ready to start the year with joy and tradition!