1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: Epiphany
19 March: San Jose
1 May: Labour Day
15 August: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
12 October: Hispanic Day
1 November: All Saints
6 December: Constitution Day
8 December: Conception of the Blessed Virgin
25 December: Christmas Day
Other public holidays are White Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday.
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The universal emergency number in Spain is 112. The operator who answers will speak Spanish. Speak slowly and clearly to him in English and the required emergency assistance will be sent to the location. Tip when reporting an offence to the police: call the police station at Nov de la Ramblas 76 from your hotel and report the offence in English. The police report will be drawn up by phone and you will be given a number. You can then collect your report at any time of the day or night by referring to the police report number. [Read more]

Men greet each other with a handshake (and sometimes a clap on the shoulder). As in many Mediterranean countries, it's also common for men to greet each other with an 'abrazo' (hug). Women greet each other in the same way, accompanied by a kiss on the cheek. Men and women simply shake hands when greeting each other. The Spanish often push and shove when queueing for taxis and telephones etc. Tourists, on the other hand, are generally treated with respect. It's rude to yawn and stretch in front of others. The Spanish gesture frequently with their hands, arms and heads. [Read more]