Spanish holiday guide
St James's Day / National Day of Galicia
On 25 July Galicia observes St James’s Day and its National Day, centred on Santiago de Compostela.
What it means
The holiday joins the Apostle’s patronage and pilgrimage tradition with Galician national and autonomous identity.
Origin and history
After early twentieth-century Galicianist adoption of 25 July, the democratic Xunta institutionalised the National Day of Galicia in 1979.
How it is observed in Spain
Cathedral ceremonies, institutional awards, Festas do Apóstolo, and a regional public holiday.
Interesting facts
- Also called Día da Patria Galega in Galicianist tradition.
- Irmandades da Fala linked the date to Galician identity in 1919–1920.
- Fireworks and festivities fill Santiago around 24–25 July.
Public calendar
Check the 2026 dates
Holiday status depends on place. See the official calendar pages for the locations covered by this guide.