In Spain, 'Easter Monday', also known as 'Lunes de Pascua', is a prominent Christian holiday that follows Easter Sunday. The day symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that the Christian calendar marks as occurring on the third day after his crucifixion. The date of Easter Monday varies each year, but always falls between March 23 and April 26, depending on when the ecclesiastical full moon occurs after the vernal equinox. It is a public holiday in some areas of Spain, while in other regions it's less celebrated.
Spain, known for its elaborate religious festivities, celebrates Easter Monday differently by region due to its essence of regional cultures and traditions. In particular, the states AN, AR, CL, CN, CT, EX, GA, IB, MC, PV observe Easter Monday as a public holiday. Traditions vary widely across the regions with different forms of parades, processions, and ceremonies. From musical parades to elaborate 'pasos' or processions depicting biblical scenes, Spain presents a beautiful cultural tableau on Easter Monday.
Despite the variations in celebrations across different regions, the common thread is the commemoration of the religious significance of Jesus' resurrection. Families come together to break bread, and it is traditional to share 'Mona de Pascua', a type of cake, which is particularly popular in Catalonia and other nearby regions. This cake, often topped with feathers or figurines, symbolizes the end of Lenten fasting and is usually given by godparents to their godchildren. Easter Monday in Spain is an amalgamation of solemn religious observance and joyous family gatherings, a testament to the depth and diversity of Spanish culture.