The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has announced a special operation for the Todos los Santos holiday, which will run from 30 October to 2 November. The initiative aims to manage an expected 5.34 million long-distance road journeys across Spain.
The operation will commence at 15:00 on 30 October and conclude at midnight on 1 November in regions where the following Monday is a working day. In eight autonomous communities—Andalusia, Aragón, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, and the Community of Madrid—where 2 November is a public holiday, the operation will extend until midnight on that day.
During this period, the DGT anticipates a significant increase in traffic, particularly due to traditional visits to cemeteries across the country. The DGT is also preparing for potential traffic congestion on major routes to and from Andalucía, following the suspension of rail services to the region due to a recent accident.
To ensure road safety and manage the increased traffic flow, the DGT will deploy all available human and technical resources. This includes personnel from the Civil Guard Traffic Group, aerial units, and traffic management centres, as well as maintenance staff and emergency services. Technical measures such as fixed and mobile speed cameras, helicopters, drones, and cameras to monitor mobile phone use and seatbelt compliance will also be in place.
To facilitate smoother travel, the DGT plans to implement various traffic regulation measures, including opening additional lanes and suggesting alternative routes. Construction works affecting traffic will be halted, and restrictions will be imposed on heavy goods vehicles during peak times.
The DGT expects the majority of departures to occur on the afternoon of 30 October and the morning of 31 October, with significant congestion anticipated between 16:00 and 22:00 on both days. On 1 November, many will travel to cemeteries, and the return journey for those in regions where 2 November is not a holiday will begin in the afternoon, leading to increased traffic on major routes.
On 2 November, short-distance journeys will continue in holiday regions, with a return to normal traffic patterns expected later in the day. The DGT has also highlighted ongoing roadworks on the A-1 motorway, which may cause delays, particularly on the return day. To alleviate potential congestion, an additional entry lane to Madrid will be opened from kilometre 74, weather permitting.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and avoid travelling during peak hours whenever possible. It is recommended to check road conditions and possible incidents through official channels, including the DGT's website and social media. Additionally, since 1 October, a new 'emergency lane' rule has been in effect, requiring vehicles to create a space for emergency vehicles during traffic jams.
In case of an incident on the road, using the V-16 beacon is mandatory, as it provides the quickest way to alert other road users.
