The notion behind the day often perplexes many people. It is a misconception that the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the day Jesus was conceived, but rather, it is the day that the Virgin Mary was conceived. Ergo, the day celebrates the mother of Jesus, and the doctrine that she was preserved from original sin her entire life.

The holiday had been a topic of debate since its inception; the belief that in this context the term “immaculate” conveys that the Blessed Mother was born without original sin caused controversy amongst numerous theological scholars. Nevertheless, in the year 1854, Pope Pious IX settled the contention by proclaiming this belief as a substantial tenet of the Roman Catholic Church.

Noteworthy, in 2017, President Duterte of the archipelagic country, the Republic of the Philippines, promulgated the Feast of Immaculate Conception as a national holiday – a tribute to the ardent devotion of Filipinos to the mother of Jesus. Notwithstanding, it has now become a special working day, instead.

On the days leading to Constitution Day, children are usually educated on the history, politics, and constitution of Spain. The parliamentary buildings in Madrid are usually open for the populace for a few days, where students and the general public are invited to read the constitution in the Lower House.

On the day itself, the general population takes the day off, and most organizations, businesses, and stores are closed, except for some bakeries and grocery stores. Whereas public transports are usually running –except in rural areas, where it is provisory– though to a reduced timetable.

The celebrations of Constitution Day are rather quiet, where the majority of people prefer either spending the day with family, relatives, and friends; or in serenity. Official ceremonies could cause traffic jams in Madrid, however.

If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the authorities usually push it to a different day. In case of falling on a working day two days prior to, or subsequent to, a weekend holiday, many businesses and organizations usually take the in-between day off, as well.

The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier is a significant event for Catholics because it provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the life of one of the Church's most prominent missionaries. Saint Francis Xavier is known for his tireless efforts in spreading the Gospel to people in Japan, India, and other parts of Asia. He is also recognized for his unwavering commitment to social justice and his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. His teachings and example continue to inspire Catholics to this day, and the feast provides an opportunity to reflect on the significance of his life and the impact he had on the Church and the world.

In addition to its religious significance, the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier is also an occasion for celebration and fellowship. Many Catholic churches and communities organize events and activities to commemorate the day, such as processions, Masses, and feasts. These celebrations provide an opportunity for Catholics to come together and strengthen their sense of community and shared faith. Overall, the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier is an important and meaningful event that serves to remind Catholics of the virtues of missionary work, social justice, and community building, while also providing a joyful occasion for celebration and reflection.

The statue of the Virgin of Almudena –Virgen de la Almudena in Spanish– represents the Virgin Mary holding the Holy Child, Jesus; and its appellation is derived from the Arabic word “Al-Mudayna” which means the citadel.

People on that day take to the streets in a parade that passes through the streets of Arena and Mayor with the statue of the Virgin of Almudena, ending up at the Cathedral.

On the other hand, the Day of Saint Dionysius commemorates the patron saint of lovers who were given the soubriquet “The Areopagite”. There is a special tradition yclept Mocaorà associated with the day, where Valencian men give their beloved sweets made with marzipan wrapped in a silken scarf, or placed in a decorative box.

The Day of the Valencian Community is a holiday in Valencia only, where the populace takes the day off, and most organizations, businesses, and stores are closed. However, some bakeries and grocery stores may be open for business. Whereas public transports are usually running, though to a reduced timetable. There may be some impediments to traffic due to the parades, especially in the heart of towns and villages.

If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the authorities usually push it to a different day. In case of falling on a working day two days prior to, or subsequent to, a weekend holiday, many businesses and organizations usually take the in-between day off, as well.

It is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to King James of Aragon and St. Peter Nolasco in the 13th century, and plead them to create a religious order denominated the Mercedarian Order – an endeavor to free the Christian captives from the Moors, regardless of the ramifications. The Mercedarian Order was not ceased after accomplishing its primary task; but rather, it continued to thrive.

In the year 1687, the governing council of Barcelona, after failing to put an end to the plague of locusts, prayed for Mary’s succor. The interposition of the Virgin Mary to relieve the city of the epidemic was recognized by the Mercedarian Order, and a feast day was established to commemorate and honor the Virgin Mary for her perpetual efforts in saving the city.

The celebrations of the Day of Melilla are usually quiet, where most people favor either spending the day in tranquility; or with family, relatives, and friends. Notwithstanding, some people exploit the day to voice their opinions apropos the autonomy of Melilla; pleading that Melilla should be part of Morocco instead of Spain.

On that day, the populace takes the day off, and most organizations, businesses, and stores are closed. However, some bakeries and grocery stores may be open for business. Whereas public transports are usually running –except in rural areas, where it is conditional– to a reduced timetable, notwithstanding. There may be some impediments to traffic due to the demonstrations and parades, especially in Barcelona.

If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the authorities usually push it to a different day. In case of falling on a working day two days prior to, or subsequent to, a weekend holiday, many businesses and organizations usually take the in-between day off, as well.