How to Say "holiday" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “holiday” is “vacaciones” — use this word to refer to a period of time off from work or school, similar to 'vacation' in American English or 'holidays' in British English.
vacaciones
bah-kah-SYOH-nesba.kaˈsjo.nes
Examples
Mis vacaciones de verano son en julio.
My summer holidays are in July.
¿Cuándo empiezan tus vacaciones de verano?
When does your summer vacation start?
Estamos de vacaciones en la playa.
We are on holiday/vacation at the beach.
Necesito urgentemente tomarme unas largas vacaciones.
I urgently need to take a long vacation.
Always Plural
In Spanish, 'vacaciones' is always used in the plural form, even if you are referring to a single trip or period of time off. You must use plural articles (las) and plural modifiers.
The Expression 'De vacaciones'
To say someone is 'on vacation,' use the preposition 'de' (Estamos de vacaciones, not en vacaciones).
Using the Singular
Mistake: “Me tomé una vacación.”
Correction: Me tomé unas vacaciones. (It is always treated as plural in Spanish.)
Incorrect Article
Mistake: “El vacaciones es mañana.”
Correction: Las vacaciones son mañana. ('Vacaciones' is feminine and plural, so use 'las' and the plural verb form 'son'.)
fiesta
fyes-tahˈfjesta
Examples
Celebramos la fiesta de la independencia con fuegos artificiales.
We celebrate the independence day holiday with fireworks.
La Fiesta de San Fermín en Pamplona es mundialmente famosa.
The Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona is world-famous.
El primero de mayo es fiesta en muchos países.
The first of May is a holiday in many countries.
Cada pueblo tiene su propia fiesta patronal para celebrar a su santo.
Each town has its own patron saint's festival to celebrate its saint.
festivo
fes-TEE-bohfesˈtiβo
Examples
La decoración de la calle era muy festiva.
The street decoration was very festive/holiday-like.
Llevaba un vestido muy festivo para la ocasión.
She was wearing a very festive dress for the occasion.
El ambiente en la plaza era alegre y festivo.
The atmosphere in the square was happy and festive.
Habló con un tono festivo durante todo el brindis.
He spoke with a cheerful tone throughout the toast.
Matching the Ending
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to -a if the thing you are describing is feminine. For example: 'una tarde festiva' (a festive afternoon).
Where to put it
This word usually comes after the noun it describes, like 'un día festivo' rather than 'un festivo día'.
Confusing 'festivo' and 'fiesta'
Mistake: “La noche era muy fiesta.”
Correction: La noche era muy festiva. Use 'festivo' to describe how something feels, and 'fiesta' for the event itself.
vacación
Examples
Tomaré una vacación la próxima semana.
I will take a vacation next week.
Vacaciones vs. Fiesta
Related Translations
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