Spain : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

cards/flowers : Jewish New Year

Secular holiday : To commemorate the arrival of Columbus in Americas in 1492. It is also celebrated as the day of the Armed Forces in Spain.

cards/flowers :

Special Events : At 1:00 a.m. local times

Catholic : The day now honors all saints of the church, even those not known by name. The first All Saints' Day occurred on May 13, 609 (C.E.) when Pope Boniface IV accepted the Pantheon as a gift from the Emperor Phocas. Boniface dedicated it as the Church of Santa Maria Rotonda in honor of the Blessed Virgin and all martyrs. During Pope Gregory III's reign (731-741), the festival was expanded to include all saints and a chapel in St. Peter's church was dedicated accordingly. Pope Gregory IV officially designated the day in 837. (World Book Encyclopedia)

cards/flowers : Commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BC)

cards/flowers : A festival for children related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts.

Secular holiday : Commemorates the 1978 referendum when the Spanish people voted to approve the constitution.

Catholic : Dogma that Mary was from the first moment of conception, totally free from the stain of original sin. Paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday

Secular holiday : Commemorates the 1978 referendum when the Spanish people voted to approve the constitution.

Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.