Today is Ascension Day. In the Netherlands, that means a day off for many people — a moment of rest, maybe a long weekend. But here in Spain, you wouldn’t notice a thing. Shops are open, traffic is normal, life just goes on.
I believe Ascension Day has its roots in the Protestant tradition and is less well-known in Catholic Spain. You only start to notice that difference once you live here. Back in the Netherlands, I used to think we had plenty of public holidays — but the Spanish know how to celebrate too! From national holidays to regional saints’ days — there’s always something being celebrated here. Just… often not on the same dates as in the Netherlands.
That can make things a little tricky. I work with many Dutch clients, and I don’t want to give the wrong impression. So I often work on Spanish holidays. And the other way around: if there’s a Dutch public holiday but not here, I’m simply working.
I only realised it was King’s Day at the last minute — I was just busy working for a client. And the other way around: when there’s fireworks on the beach for San Juan or Three Kings, I’m behind my computer working, because in the Netherlands, it’s just a regular working day.
That’s part of living abroad. And part of running a business across borders. You learn to balance different habits, rhythms, and expectations. I haven’t found a fixed solution yet — but I do notice that I’m slowly finding my own rhythm.
One that makes space for both the Spanish sun and my Dutch clients.