festivo
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “festivo” mean in English?
relating to a celebration or holiday, or having a joyful, celebratory atmosphere
Example sentences
El próximo lunes es festivo, así que el banco permanecerá cerrado todo el día.
Next Monday is a public holiday, so the bank will remain closed all day.
Las calles del centro tenían un ambiente muy festivo durante las fiestas del pueblo.
The streets in the centre had a very festive atmosphere during the town's celebrations.
How to use it
Festivo/a (adjective, from fiesta) means 'festive' or, as a fixed noun phrase, día festivo means 'public holiday'. Core B2 collocations: un ambiente festivo, un día festivo, el calendario festivo. Note that día festivo functions almost as a set noun in everyday planning.
Common mistake
Día festivo (public holiday) functions as a fixed everyday phrase referring to a non-working day, distinct from vacaciones (a longer holiday/vacation period) — don't use festivo to mean an extended trip or break.
Topics
Related B2 words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones generales: tiempo libre y ce.