Island life just got better: a long weekend is coming to the Canaries
Canary Islands Day falls on a Friday this year, giving residents a perfect excuse for a three-day break
As the Easter and May Day holidays fade into the rearview mirror, there is good news for anyone living in the Canary Islands - another long weekend is just around the corner.This year, Canary Islands Day falls on Friday May 30, which means a full three-day break without needing to book any extra time off work. Whether you’re planning a short getaway, a quiet weekend at home, or just a few lazy beach days, it’s a great excuse to pause before summer kicks in properly.
So, why is May 30 such a big deal? The date marks the anniversary of the first session of the Canary Islands Parliament, held back in 1983. It was a major step in the region’s journey towards self-government following Spain’s 1978 Constitution. Today, the day is much more than just a date in the history books, it is a celebration of Canarian identity, culture and pride.
Across the islands, streets will fill with music, traditional dancing, craft markets, and plenty of local food. It is officially an institutional holiday, but for many it is a heartfelt occasion. As one local put it, “It is a day that reminds us who we are and where we come from.”
The Canary Islands are not the only region with early summer celebrations. Castilla-La Mancha marks its regional holiday on Saturday May 31, though the weekend timing this year means it will not give many people extra time off.
Further ahead, both Murcia and La Rioja will enjoy long weekends with their regional days falling on Monday June 9, thanks to calendar adjustments. And in Madrid, the streets will come alive on Wednesday May 15 for San Isidro, the city’s patron saint, celebrated with festivals, food and music.
Looking to late June, Saint John’s Day on Monday June 24 is a major event in Catalonia and the Valencian Community, where fireworks and beach bonfires welcome the summer solstice in style.
But for now, all eyes in the Canary Islands are on Friday May 30 - the next chance to enjoy a well-earned break, Canarian style.
Image: Lucas Pezeta/Pexels
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