If you’ve recently moved here to the Costa Blanca, you may have heard some locals mention the number ‘13’ with a certain look upon their faces! But what is it about the 13th January in particular? Does it carry the same unlucky reputation as Friday 13th in the UK?
The answer is…yes and no. And the difference tells us something fascinating about Spanish culture.
The Number 13: A shared European Fear
Across Europe, the number 13 has long been associated with bad luck. This goes way back centuries and is rooted within religion, folklore as well as symbolism.
In Christian tradition, 13 people sat at the last Supper, and the 13th guest known as Judas was the betrayer of Jesus. Over time, this turned the number 13 into a symbol of imbalance, disruption and misfortune. Twelve was seen to be ‘complete.’ 12 months, 12 zodiac signs and 12 apostles, so 13 was the number that broke harmony.
Spain’s Real Superstition: Not Friday…but Tuesday
This is where Spain differs from the UK. In Britain and other English-speaking countries, Friday the 13th is the day people avoid flying, getting married or even making big decisions.
In Spain, however, the unlucky day is Tuesday the 13th – martes trece. Why Tuesday?
Well… the word martes comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. Mars symbolises conflict, destruction and chaos – not exactly the energy you’d want for weddings, long-haul journeys or financial decisions. So, when you combine the warlike day of Tuesday with the unlucky number 13, you get a date that many Spaniards still tend to quietly avoid.
There even a traditional saying that goes: ‘En martes, ni te cases ni te embarques’ (On Tuesday, neither marry nor set sail)
A Cultural Curiosity, Not a Curse
The beauty of living in Spain as an expat is discovering these small cultural twists – where familiar ideas appear in unexpected forms.
So, if you happen to see the 13th January on the calendar and someone raises an eyebrow, just check what day it is, If it’s a Tuesday, you’re experiencing Spain’s version of Friday 13th and after today? You’re perfectly safe to book that wedding, sign that contract or travel to that country!
After all, in Spain, luck isn’t about the month – it’s about the day itself.
Author: Melissa Williams
Hi, I’m Melissa, a creative writer and ESL teacher with a passion for storytelling. I started writing fiction when I was young, and I eventually discovered that I loved performing, working all over the Costa Blanca as a semi-professional singer. I now write articles that I hope will inspire and engage readers by using my creativity. Whether I'm sharing personal insights or delving into local culture, I try to produce content that is relatable and meaningful. working as a creator of events and features.
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