Felices fiestas
/feliθes fjestas/from spelling rules
To say "happy holiday" in Spanish, use Felices fiestas.
Felices fiestas is the standard way to wish someone a happy holiday season in a general sense, covering Christmas, New Year and other end-of-year celebrations. If you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas specifically, you should use Feliz Navidad.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the plural adjective felices (happy) and the plural noun fiestas (holidays/festivities).
Which one should you use?
While Felices fiestas covers the whole holiday season, Feliz Navidad is used specifically to wish someone a Merry Christmas.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, saying Felices fiestas may be accompanied by el abrazo, a warm embrace, which is more common in holiday greetings than a handshake.
- The word fiesta shares a root with the English word 'feast', though in Spanish it evolved to cover any celebratory event rather than just a large meal.
- In Spain, the 'holidays' season often extends its peak to January 6, the day of El Día de los Reyes Magos or Three Kings Day.
Examples in context
- Felices fiestas a toda la familia.Happy holidays to the whole family.
- ¡Felices fiestas, que lo pases muy bien!Happy holidays, have a great time!
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are saying goodbye after a work party.
- Mateo¡Felices fiestas, Lucía!Happy holidays, Lucía!
- LucíaGracias, Mateo. ¡Igualmente para ti!Thanks, Mateo. Likewise to you!
- Mateo¿Vas a viajar en estas fechas?Are you traveling during this time?
- LucíaNo, me quedo en casa descansando.No, I am staying home to rest.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
