UK tourists warned to 'stay out' of Spain on August 15

Tourists are being urged not to visit Spain on August 15 ahead of a national holiday which will see a score of attractions, shops and complexes SHUT. Assumption of Mary is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

The feast day of the Assumption of Mary commemorates the Virgin Mary's assumption into heaven. At the heart of the celebration are solemn processions, wherein statues of the Virgin Mary are paraded through the streets, adorned with intricate floral arrangements and candles.

The Fiesta de la Asunción, also known as the Assumption Day, is a time of religious observance, joyous celebrations, and community gatherings across Spain. It is a public holiday, and many businesses, stores and government offices remain closed on this day.

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Assumption Day is a public holiday in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, France, parts of Germany, Guatemala, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. Keira Rigby, travel expert at My Hotel Break, warned: "When planning a trip to Spain, being aware of bank holidays can help you navigate potential challenges and make the most of your visit.

"Whether it's adjusting your itinerary to avoid closures, participating in local celebrations, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, understanding and embracing these holidays can enrich your travel experience in this vibrant and diverse country."

"Zaragoza is like a ghost town, as everyone goes to the coast (which is then to packed). Some shops even close for the whole month. Its cool at 1st, but then it gets a little too quiet. It's like a whole month of Sundays", a Brit holidaymaker replied.

"Some do here where I live because business is 90% less than usual as everyone upsticks to the coast to get away from 40+°C heat," a second wrote. "Going to Spain in August is Pointless, the Spanish all go on Holiday," a third typed.