Pentecost Monday 2025 in Spain

Pentecost Monday, known as Lunes de Pentecostés, is mostly a religious observance in Spain. It is a public holiday in Catalonia, where it is called Segona Pasqua (Second Easter), while in Andalusia, it marks the conclusion of the El Rocío Pilgrimage, one of Spain's most famous religious events.

Pentecost Monday: A Public Holiday?

Pentecost Monday is not a public holiday in Spain, but it is officially recognized in Catalonia as Segona Pasqua (Second Easter).

Pentecost Monday

Pentecost Monday, also known as Whit Monday or Lunes de Pentecostés in Spanish, has been observed in Spain for centuries as part of the Catholic tradition. It falls the day after Pentecost Sunday and is linked to the celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit. While Pentecost is a significant event in Christian history, Pentecost Monday has mostly remained an observance rather than a widely recognized public holiday.

In Catalonia, Pentecost Monday, called Segona Pasqua (Second Easter), has been traditionally observed as a religious and cultural holiday. It was once a more prominent festivity but gradually lost its importance as Spain's official holidays changed over time. However, it remains a public holiday in Catalonia today, allowing people to participate in religious services and family gatherings. In Andalusia, Pentecost Monday is linked to the conclusion of the famous El Rocío Pilgrimage, where thousands of devotees return home after honoring the Virgin of El Rocío.

Observance of Pentecost Monday in Spain

Pentecost Monday is most notable in Catalonia, where it is observed as Segona Pasqua (Second Easter). In this region, the day is marked by religious services, community events, and family gatherings. Some towns hold small processions or public celebrations, while many people take the opportunity to rest or enjoy outdoor activities with their families. Although it is not as widely celebrated as other religious holidays, it remains a day of reflection and tradition for many Catalans.

In Andalusia, Pentecost Monday is closely linked to the El Rocío Pilgrimage, one of Spain's most famous religious events. After days of traveling on horseback, in carriages, or on foot, thousands of pilgrims conclude their journey at the Hermitage of El Rocío in Huelva. On Pentecost Sunday, they honor the Virgin of El Rocío, and by Monday, the pilgrimage officially ends. Pilgrims begin their return journey, carrying with them the spiritual experience of the event. This marks the closing of an emotional and deeply rooted tradition in southern Spain.

The importance of Pentecost Monday in Spain lies in its connection to religious devotion and cultural heritage. In Catalonia, it reflects historical traditions that continue to be preserved, while in Andalusia, it plays a crucial role in one of the country's grandest pilgrimages. Though it is not a nationwide holiday, its observance in certain regions highlights the diverse ways in which Spain honors its religious and cultural past.

Pentecost Monday Observances