335- Identity: the
building blocks of
2. Literature
and philosophy
3. Art and
architecture
4. Performing
arts
5. Cinema
and fashion
6. Media and
communications
7. Food and drink 8. Living culture:
the details of
Breaking points: taking time off
Spain enjoys a reasonable chunk of time off.The
average wage earner is entitled to four weeks’ annual
leave (although some get more) and also revels in a
mighty allocation of 14 public holidays.The country used
to down tools en masse; everything would simply shut
down in August. Some firms still close the gates for a
month in summer but the majority now retain a basic
staff. However, most Spaniards still like to group their
leave at the height of summer – it’s too hot to work –
perhaps holding a few days back for the Christmas
period. Regional variations abound of course, and nearly
everyone has a day off for the localfiesta.Spain’s public holidays
The allocation of 14
public holidays isn’t
wholly straightforward.
Each region shares nine
days in common – the big
religious and state
occasions – chosen by
central government.The
rest are allocated
according to local habits.
Many of theautonomías
have their own ‘national’ days, as well as feast days
celebrating something or someone close to their hearts.
Galicia, for example, is the only region that skips work
on St James’ Day, 25th July. Just to add further
confusion, the regions can choose different holidays
each year, often dictated by which festival days fall on a
Sunday – you don’t want to waste a public holiday by
placing it on a weekend after all.Employers build bridges
When Bank Holidays
fall on a Tuesday or
Thursday, employers may
hacer puente, ‘make the
bridge’ to the weekend,
by giving workers the
Monday or Friday off too.
Many employeeshacer
puenteof their own
accord.8.7 Time out: free time,fiestasand holidays