Why is Easter Monday a public holiday in France? Origin and history

Published by Caroline de Sortiraparis, Julie de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on March 19, 2024 at 07:22 a.m.
It's one of the most important dates in the Christian religious calendar. As you may have guessed, I'm talking about Easter. But do you know exactly what Catholics and Protestants celebrate on this day, and why Easter Monday, which falls on April 1, 2024, is a public holiday? We'll tell you.

Assumption, Ascension, but also, and above all, Easter. For many, especially the youngest, Easter is synonymous with chocolate treats. But for others, especially Christians, it's the most important day in their religious calendar.

On Easter Sunday, Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, i.e. Christ's passage from death to life after his crucifixion. For Protestants and Catholics, Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the full spring moon.

But why is Easter Monday a public holiday, and what is celebrated on this day? In theory, nothing special. To understand theorigins of the Easter Monday holiday, we need to go back in time to the Middle Ages. It was then that the eight days following Easter Sunday, known as the"Octave of Easter", were entirely public holidays. A week off with masses celebrated every day, during which pilgrims had time to make the round trip to Rome.

But this holiday week disappeared in 1801, following the signing of the Concordat between the Pope and Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul. Only Easter Monday remained a public holiday. An extra day in the calendar of public holidays in France, and one that we're sure you'll appreciate!

In 2024, Easter Monday falls on April 1. So, for many, it's an opportunity to enjoy a long weekend and a great program.

Que faire ce lundi de Pâques férié, 1er avril 2024 à Paris et en Ile-de-France, les bonnes idéesQue faire ce lundi de Pâques férié, 1er avril 2024 à Paris et en Ile-de-France, les bonnes idéesQue faire ce lundi de Pâques férié, 1er avril 2024 à Paris et en Ile-de-France, les bonnes idéesQue faire ce lundi de Pâques férié, 1er avril 2024 à Paris et en Ile-de-France, les bonnes idées What to do this April 1st 2024, Easter Monday holiday, in Paris and Ile-de-France, good ideas
Easter Monday, April 1, 2024, is a public holiday. To make the most of this day off, or even the long weekend, we've put together a few ideas for outings in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument LouvreVisuels musée et monument LouvreVisuels musée et monument LouvreVisuels musée et monument Louvre Easter Monday: museums and monuments open this Monday, April 1, 2024 in Paris
The lucky ones enjoy a beautiful three-day weekend thanks to Easter Monday, this April 1, 2024. If you're looking for something to do this Monday, you've come to the right place: museums and monuments are opening their doors to us this holiday. [Read more]

 L'Alcazar à Asnières-sur-Seine : une expérience cinématographique… sans projecteur L'Alcazar à Asnières-sur-Seine : une expérience cinématographique… sans projecteur L'Alcazar à Asnières-sur-Seine : une expérience cinématographique… sans projecteur L'Alcazar à Asnières-sur-Seine : une expérience cinématographique… sans projecteur 5 films to see this Easter Monday to make the most of the bank holiday
On Easter Monday, take advantage of this public holiday to go to the movies and share unforgettable moments with family and friends. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On April 1, 2024

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