Holidays in 2024

The celebration oft he three Magi is always on January, the 6th. The appearance of the Glory of Jesus, while the worship of three Magis, the baptism in the Jordan and the wonder of Kana. Traditionally, it is the last day of removing the Christmas tree. On Epiphany there are carol singers in certain regions, moving from door to door, singing and writing blessings with chalk onto each door.

Good Friday is after the Friday before Eastern. On Good Friday one thinks of the death of Jesus Christ. It is part of the so called Good Week, which begins after Palm Sunday, including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and ends with Good Saturday.

Easter Monday ist the monday after Easter Sunday. As second holiday it is actually not an Easternday. The Christian background of this holiday is the encounter of two disciples with the risen Christ.

In old traditions, the 1st May is an holiday as well (Dance into May, Walpurgis Night, May trees, etc.). Since 1890 it is rededicated to “Achievements of the international labor movement”.

The Ascencion of Christ is 39 days after Easter Monday, for this it always on thursday. The christian background is the ascension of Jesus Christ to his father God in heaven after his resurrection (Eastern). Secular oriented citizens see this day as “Father´s Day”, proper men´s tours included.

Whit Monday is 49 days after Easter Sunday. Here, the outpouring of the Holy Ghost onto the disciples and apostles of Jesus Christ is celebrated.

Corpus Christi, the „Solemnity of body and blood of Christ“, is celebrated on the 60th day after Easter Sunday with masses and processions.
In Sachsen it is only in certain regions of the counties Bautzen and Westlausitz a legal holiday. In Thüringen is the Department of the Interior able to set Corpus Christi as a legal holiday by changing the ordinance.

Assumption Day, the celebration of taking Maria into heaven, is always on August, the 15th. In Bayern is the Assumption Day only in regions with predominantly catholic population a legal holiday. Visit the following website to see which of these regions are included: Bayerische Landesamtes für Statistik

Since 1990 the 3rd of October is Germany´s National Holiday, thinking of the Reunion. In Western Germany this holiday was celebrated on the 17th of June, rembering the national uprising in the DDR that was abolished on this day of October in 1953.

The Reformation Day is always on the 31st of October. It reminds of Martin Luther, posting the 95 thesis onto the door of the castles´ church. In Baden-Württemberg the schools are closed on this holiday.

The feast day of the Saints of the christian church is always on the 1st of november.

Since 1995 the Penance Day is abolished as a work-free day, to compensate the surplus loads through the new introduced compulsory long term care insurance. The township of Sachsen kept the Penance Day as a holiday, therefore the employees pay an higher amount for the compulsory long term care insurance. The costs of this addition are higher than the benefit of the work-free day. So this arrangement can not be seen as pro-labor.

Main celebration day of Christmas (in Germany)