Festivals in Melilla

Melilla public holidays in 2026

The working calendar approved by the Autonomous City establishes the following fourteen paid, non-recoverable public holidays:

• January 1: Año Nuevo.
• January 6: Epifanía del Señor.
• March 20: Fiesta del Eid al-Fitr.
• April 2: Jueves Santo.
• April 3: Viernes Santo.
• May 1: Fiesta del Trabajo.
• May 27: Eid al-Adha.
• August 15: Asunción de la Virgen.
• September 8: Our Lady of Victory.
• September 17: Día de Melilla.
• October 12: National Day of Spain.
• December 7: Monday holiday following Constitution Day.
• December 8: Inmaculada Concepción.
• December 25: Natividad del Señor.

The two local public holidays are September 8, the patron saint's feast day, and September 17, Melilla Day. In 2026, Eid al-Adha on 27 May replaces the St Joseph's Day holiday.

Source: 2026 working calendar of the Autonomous City of Melilla y official list of public holidays published in the Official State Gazette.

Popular festivals and featured celebrations

Carnaval

Carnival fills streets and cultural venues with an opening proclamation, chirigota competitions, troupes and costumes, performances and a parade. The 2026 municipal programme ran from 7 to 14 February and included activities for children and adults.

Source: official programme for Melilla Carnival 2026.

Semana Santa

Holy Week in Melilla includes processions and religious events. Municipal information highlights the Procession of Silence, the Virgin dressed in mourning and a representation of the Stations of the Cross. In 2026, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday fall on 2 and 3 April.

Source: Good Friday on the Autonomous City of Melilla website.

Muslim festivities

The working calendar recognises two Islamic celebrations: Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Fiesta del Sacrificio o Aid al-Adha. Their dates follow the lunar calendar; for working-calendar purposes in 2026 they are set for 20 March and 27 May.

Hogueras de San Juan

The night of 23 to 24 June is celebrated with the traditional bonfires, a competition and fireworks. The Autonomous City organises the competition for associations, neighbourhood organisations and individuals.

Source: official announcement for the St John's Bonfire Competition.

Fair and patron saint festivities of Our Lady of Victory

The Melilla Fair takes place during the week that includes September 8, the feast day of Our Lady of Victory, the city's patron saint. The annual programme includes fair booths, performances, family activities and a parade of horses and carriages at the fairground and through central streets.

Fuentes: official regulations for the Melilla Fair y feast day of Our Lady of Victory.

Día de Melilla

El September 17 is a local public holiday and Melilla Day. The date forms part of the city's official working calendar and completes the September festive cycle after the Fair and patron saint celebrations.