As the year heads into its final quarter, Madrid residents are finding themselves in a situation that feels a lot like an unexpected win in stoppage time. While the national calendar looked disappointing for many — with key holidays like October 12th (Hispanic Day), November 1st (All Saints’ Day), and even December 6th (Constitution Day) falling on weekends — a surprise twist has given the capital something to cheer about.
The Big Play: November 10th
Enter November 9th, the feast day of La Almudena, patron saint of Madrid. Normally, it wouldn’t stir much excitement this year since the date lands on a Sunday. But in a clever move, the city council shifted the official holiday to Monday, November 10th.
That means workers, students, and families in Madrid city get an unexpected long weekend — like an extra game thrown into the season schedule. For many, it’s a much-needed breather after the grind of autumn routines.
Who Gets the Win?
- Students in Madrid city schools: clear winners — schools will be closed, turning the weekend into a three-day break.
- Workers in the capital: another victory, since November 10th counts as a non-working day. For those who do clock in, it’s treated as a holiday shift, with extra pay and benefits.
- Shoppers: thanks to Madrid’s “freedom of commercial hours,” many stores will still open, so the city should buzz with activity even while offices rest.
The Away Fans: Not Everyone Celebrates
But here’s the kicker: the holiday only applies inside Madrid city limits. Residents in surrounding towns don’t automatically get the day off. Their schools and local calendars run as normal. Some companies headquartered outside the city might still choose to honor the Madrid holiday, but it’s a case-by-case play.
Final Whistle
So while much of Spain looks at the final months of 2025 with a shortage of midweek holidays, Madrid city has pulled off an unexpected win. November 10th is shaping up to be the bonus matchday on the calendar — a chance to recharge, regroup, and maybe even celebrate like it’s extra time in a championship final.
