Father’s Day in Spain, known as Día de San José (Saint Joseph’s Day), is celebrated every year on March 19th. This day honors fathers and father figures while also paying tribute to Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the patron saint of carpenters and workers.

Is San José a Bank Holiday in Spain?

Whether or not San José is a public holiday depends on where you live. In 2025, only two regions in Spain will observe it as a bank holiday: the Region of Murcia and the Valencian Community. For the rest of the country, March 19th is a regular working day.

In Valencia, the holiday coincides with Las Fallas, a spectacular festival featuring massive papier-mâché figures, fireworks, and parades. Meanwhile, in Murcia, the holiday has deeper religious roots, with many towns recognizing Saint Joseph as their patron saint. Some local communities hold special church services and events to honor the occasion.

How Do People in Spain Celebrate Father’s Day?

Father’s Day in Spain is all about family. Many people take the opportunity to spend quality time with their fathers, often enjoying a home-cooked meal or dining out at a favorite restaurant. Gifts such as watches, books, or personalized items are common ways to show appreciation.

Schools often organize activities where children make handmade cards and crafts for their dads, adding a personal touch to the celebration. In some regions, bakeries prepare traditional pastries, like buñuelos (fried dough balls) or rosquillas (ring-shaped pastries), to mark the occasion.

The History Behind San José

The tradition of celebrating Father’s Day on March 19th dates back centuries. Saint Joseph is revered in Catholicism as a model of fatherly devotion and humility. His role as the protector of the Holy Family made him an ideal figure to symbolize fatherhood.

The idea of dedicating a day to fathers in Spain gained popularity in the 1950s, thanks to a schoolteacher named Manuela Vicente Ferrero. Inspired by Mother’s Day celebrations, she proposed a similar event to recognize the hard work and dedication of fathers. Over time, the celebration became widely embraced across the country.

A Day to Honor Fathers

Whether it’s an official holiday in your region or not, San José remains a special day for many Spanish families. It’s a time to express gratitude, create lasting memories, and celebrate the importance of fatherhood.

If you’re in Murcia or Valencia, you might get the day off to enjoy the festivities. But no matter where you are, taking a moment to appreciate the fathers and father figures in your life is what truly makes the day meaningful.

Do you celebrate Spanish Father’s Day, or do you still mark the occasion on the date of your home country? Are there any special San José activities in your area? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to check your local town hall’s social media for any events near you. And don’t forget, next year, San José could be a bank holiday in your region, even if it isn’t this year, so always double-check the official calendar!