Is Holy Thursday a Public Holiday in Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, you may be wondering if Holy Thursday is a public holiday. In Spain, Holy Thursday is known as Jueves Santo and it falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. This day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles before his crucifixion.

What is a Public Holiday?

Before we dive into whether or not Holy Thursday is a public holiday in Madrid, let’s define what a public holiday actually means. A public holiday, also known as a national holiday or legal holiday, is a day that has been recognized by the government as a non-working day for most employees.

Public Holidays in Madrid

Madrid, being the capital of Spain, has its own set of public holidays in addition to those recognized throughout the country. In total, there are 14 public holidays in Madrid each year.

Is Holy Thursday a Public Holiday in Madrid?

Now, let’s get back to our original question – is Holy Thursday a public holiday in Madrid? The answer is yes and no.

Holy Thursday itself is not recognized as a public holiday in Madrid. However, Good Friday (Viernes Santo), which falls on the day after Holy Thursday, is recognized as a national holiday throughout Spain. Many businesses and shops will close on both days to observe these important religious holidays.

What to Expect on Holy Thursday

Although it’s not officially recognized as a public holiday in Madrid, many religious events and processions take place on Holy Thursday throughout the city. One of the most notable events is the Procession of Silence (Procesión del Silencio) which takes place in downtown Madrid.

During this procession, participants dressed in black robes walk silently through the streets carrying large candles and religious symbols while crowds gather to watch and pay their respects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Holy Thursday is not recognized as a public holiday in Madrid, it is still an important day for many religious events and processions throughout the city. If you’re planning to visit Madrid during Holy Week, be sure to check the schedules of these events so you don’t miss out on any of the cultural and religious experiences this beautiful city has to offer.