Barcelona’s 2011 Public Holidays

One of the best perks about living in Barcelona is the incredible amount of public holidays. Some Catalans might complain that other European countries have more (and many do), but if you’re coming from North America where you spend the entire year counting down to ‘May 2-4′ long weekend, Barcelona’s holidays are a welcome change. Not only are there plenty of days off, but when there’s a holiday on a Thursday or Tuesday, most Catalans take the Friday and Monday as well, turning a four day work week into a three day week and a four day long weekend.

Most restaurants are open on public holidays, but take note that the usual ‘menu del dia’ isn’t offered so you’ll pay full price for lunch. Many of the exhibits and monuments are also closed, however some do remain open, like the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, which are open most days during the year.

Here’s a glimpse into Barcelona’s holidays for 2011, so you can start planning your Puentes:

Jan 1st – New Years day

Jan 6 – Reyes

April 22nd – Good Friday

April 25th – Easter Monday

May 1st – Labour Day

August 15th – Assumption of Mary

October 12th – Hispanic Day

November 1st – All Saints Day

December 6th – Constitution Day

December 8th- Immaculate Conception

December 25th – Christmas Day