How to Say “Holiday” in Spanish and Other Must-Know Vacation Vocabulary
Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here. Today we’re tackling a fun question that popped up from one of our readers: “How do you spell ‘holiday’ in Spanish?” Whether you’re planning a trip to Barcelona or just love learning new words, this one’s for you!
The Simple Answer: “Holiday” in Spanish
Ready for the magic word? In Spanish, “holiday” is spelled “f-e-r-i-a-d-o” (feriado). But hold up—that’s not the only way to say it! Just like English has “vacation,” “break,” and “day off,” Spanish has multiple words depending on the context. Here’s the scoop:
• Feriado: Used mostly in Latin America for public/official holidays (like Thanksgiving in the U.S.).
• Vacaciones: Refers to personal vacations or extended time off (“Me voy de vacaciones” = “I’m going on holiday”).
• Día festivo: A general term for festive days or celebrations.
Pro tip: In Spain, locals often say “puente” (literally “bridge”) for a long weekend when a holiday falls near a weekend. ¡Qué guay!
Related Spanish Holiday Words to Know
Want to sound like a local? Add these to your vocab list:
• ¡Felices fiestas! = “Happy holidays!” (used around Christmas/New Year’s)
• Año Nuevo = New Year’s Day
• Navidad = Christmas
• Semana Santa = Holy Week (a big deal in Spanish-speaking countries!)
• Fiesta nacional = National holiday (like Spain’s October 12th celebration)
Fun Fact: Holidays Vary by Country!
Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) isn’t the same as Spain’s La Tomatina (tomato-throwing festival). Always check regional calendars—your “feriado” in Argentina might not exist in Colombia!
To wrap it up: “Holiday” in Spanish is feriado, but context matters. Whether you’re booking vacaciones or celebrating a día festivo, now you’re ready to chat like a pro.
FAQpro tip: Pair this with our article on “Top 10 Wildest Spanish Festivals” for extra inspo! Thanks for reading, amigos—hit us up if you’ve got more language or travel Qs. ¡Hasta luego!
