Day of the Independent City of Ceuta 2025 in Spain

The Day of Ceuta (Día de Ceuta) is an annual public holiday in the city of Ceuta, Spain, on September 2. This local holiday marks the date when Pedro de Menezes (or Meneses), Count of Viana do Alentejo, took control of the city from King John I of Portugal on September 2, 1415.

Is Day of the Independent City of Ceuta a Public Holiday?

Day of the Independent City of Ceuta is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

What Do People Do?

Some people hold parties or picnics or spend the day quietly with relatives and close friends on the Day of Ceuta. They often display the flag of the city of Ceuta. Some people hold protests to express their opinions that Ceuta should be part of Morocco rather than Spain.

Public Life

The Day of Ceuta is a public holiday in the city of Ceuta on September 2 each year. Public life is generally quiet and many businesses and other organizations are closed. Many stores are closed, although some bakers and food stores may be open. Public transport services may run to a reduced schedule. The Day of Ceuta is not a public holiday in the rest of Spain on September 2.

Background

The city of Ceuta was part of the Kingdom of Fez until early 1415 CE. Portuguese troops arrived on ships and attacked the city on August 14, 1415. They had taken over the city by nightfall. King John I of Portugal left Ceuta on September 2, 1415. He also handed control of Cueta over to Pedro de Menezes (or Meneses), the Count of Viana do Alentejo, on this date.

Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean separates it from the Spanish mainland. All of its land borders are with Morocco.

Symbols

The flag of the autonomous City of Ceuta is rectangular and consists of four black triangles and four white triangles all meeting in the middle. Ceuta's coat of arms is at the flag's center and consists of a crown on top of a shield. The shield displays seven castles and five small silver discs or coins. Ceuta's flag may be displayed alone or with the Spanish or European flags.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.