Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in France? History and origins

Published by Caroline de Sortiraparis, My de Sortiraparis · Photos by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Published on May 7, 2024 at 07:20 a.m.
The Ascension is one of the great religious feasts for Christians. But do you know its history and origin, and do you know why this day is a holiday in France? We tell you.

Alongside Easter,Assumption Day and All Saints' Day, there's alsoAscension Day, which falls this year on Thursday May 9, 2024. A public holiday in France, we explain the origin and history of this religious celebration, which traditionally takes place 40 days after Easter Sunday. Its date therefore changes every year, but always takes place on a Thursday, allowing some French people to take advantage of the famous Ascension Bridge.

But what's behind this holiday?Ascension, not to be confused withAssumption, which takes place on August 15, comes from the Latin"ascensio", meaning"to go up towards". For Christians, the feast of the Ascension refers to Christ's ascension to heaven, symbolizing eternal life. According to the Bible, the dead and risen Jesus ascended forty days after Easter, and disappeared before the eyes of the Apostles. The feast, initiated by Pope Leo I the Great, has been celebrated since the 4th century.

But when did Ascension Thursday become a public holiday in France? It dates back to theAncien Régime, when Christian feasts were a regular feature of French life.

Note thatAscension Day is celebrated in many other European countries, with the exception of Spain, Portugal and Greece. This year,Ascension Day falls on May 9, the day after May 8, another public holiday in France.

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 9, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.
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