San Jose National Holiday 19 March

San José & Father’s Day – 19th March 2025

On Wednesday, 19th March 2025, Spain will observe a national fiesta in honor of San José (Saint Joseph) and Father’s Day.

San José holds great significance in the Catholic Church, as Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus. It’s no coincidence, then, that Father’s Day in Spain is celebrated on the same date.

The Tradition of Saints’ Days in Spain

In Spain, every day is dedicated to a saint, a tradition you can see in Spanish calendars, where each day lists a saint’s name. Spanish children are lucky enough to celebrate two birthdays—one for their actual birth date and another for their saint’s day. On this special occasion, it’s customary for children to bring bags of sweets to school to share with their classmates.

While Spain embraces modernity and technology, its cultural traditions remain deeply rooted.

How San José is Celebrated

Murcia

In Murcia, San José is a day for family—a time to gather, celebrate, and enjoy a special meal together.

Valencia & Las Fallas Festival

In Valencia, San José is synonymous with the world-famous Las Fallas Festival. This vibrant celebration dates back to the 19th century, when local carpenters burned wooden objects to mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Given that San José was a carpenter, the two traditions naturally became linked.

Today, Las Fallas has grown into a spectacular two-week festival, where communities build elaborate paper and wooden statues and parade them through the streets. The grand finale takes place on the night of 19th March, when these impressive sculptures are set ablaze in a dramatic and symbolic farewell to winter.

Supporting a Cause

This year, Las Fallas will raise funds for the victims of the DANA flood that struck in October.