Religion
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Catholicism has historically and culturally shaped Spain, and a majority of the population still identifies as Catholic. However, the role of reigion in Spaniards’ daily lives has significantly diminished over the four decades of secularism since Franco’s death (see Francoist Spain). While Spanish law prohibits the national census from recording religious affiliation, the Center for Sociological Research (CIS) an independent government agency, periodically collects survey data on religious trends .
According to a CIS survey conducted in September 2023, 52% of respondents identified as Catholic, while 2.4% followed other religions, including Islam, Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.1, 2 Additionally, 16.8% described themselves as atheists, 14.4% as agnostics, and 12.9% as “nonbelievers”.1, 2 The remaining 1.6% chose not to respond. Estimates consistently indicate a steady decline in religious affiliation, with the proportion of irreligious or atheist Spaniards increasing each year.
Although about half of Spaniards identified as Catholic in the 2023 survey, the majority (35.2%) considered themselves non-practicing, while only 16.8% described themselves as practicing Catholics.1 The Center for Sociological Research has also documented a decline in church attendance. A July 2021 study found that among Spaniards who identify as religious, 36% never attend Mass, 20.8% rarely attend, 19% go a few times a year, 6.8% attend two or three times per month, 13.4% go every Sunday and on religious holidays, and just 2.9% attend multiple times per week.3 These figures indicate that most Spaniards who believe in God do not actively practice their faith.
Religious affiliation also varies across demographics. Younger generations tend to be less religious than older ones, while Spaniards living in rural areas are generally more devout than those in urban centres.
Catholicism in Spain
Catholicism has had a longstanding influence on the culture and society of Spain since it became the official religion in 589. Catholics believe in the doctrine of God as the ‘Holy Trinity’, consisting of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There is a church in almost every neighbourhood and town in Spain, and Christian artefacts are visible throughout the country. However, the nature of the church’s influence in Spain has shifted a lot over history.
The Catholic Church’s close alliance with Franco caused many believing Catholics to be sceptical of the clergy. It was reinstated as the state religion during his rule and retained this status until the new constitution was written after his death. While the church no longer has an official relationship with the government, it continues to have economic and political ties and a close cooperative relationship.4 Some institutional scepticism remains.
Although Catholicism for many Spaniards is purely cultural, various traditions are centred on Catholic celebrations, holidays and formalities. For example, each region or city in Spain has a patron saint. This saint has a dedicated day (santo) that is celebrated as the regional day of that area. Such cultural days based on Catholic tradition often form the principal celebrations in the year and punctuate the seminal moments in the typical Spaniard’s life (e.g. santos, weddings, Christmas, Easter). Therefore, it is even common for irreligious Spaniards to attend mass with their family on Christian dates of significance, or baptise their children.
For those who are devout followers of Catholicism, there are numerous rituals one may undertake. Some people make pilgrimages (dzí) to regional shrines. The Camino de Santiago (located in the north of the country) is one of the most famous and important Christian pilgrimages. It leads to the shrine of the Apostle Saint James the Great in Galicia, where it is believed his remains are buried. Traditions also vary between regions. For example, in Andalucia, it is an Easter tradition for locals to carry ornately decorated floats of Jesus and Mary through their towns, from their parish church to the cathedral and back.
Visit the Roman Catholic profile for more information and comprehensive explanations of religious beliefs and practices.