Meaning & Origin
Corpus Christi, or Fronleichnam, is a Christian feast that celebrates the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The name “Fronleichnam” comes from an Old High German word meaning “the body of the Lord.” It’s a key religious holiday in the Catholic Church, held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which is approximately 60 days after Easter. The holiday was established to deepen the faith of believers in the sacrament of the Eucharist and is celebrated with great solemnity and reverence.
Corpus Christi will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Thursday, June 4.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | June 19 (Thursday) | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland |
| 2026 | June 4 (Thursday) | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland |
How it’s Observed
This holiday is regional, recognized as a public holiday only in the states with a large Catholic population: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. In these states, schools, offices, and many shops are closed. A central part of the celebration is the solemn procession through the streets. The procession is led by a priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, which is often carried under a canopy. The path of the procession is sometimes beautifully decorated with carpets of flowers, creating a truly spectacular sight. The atmosphere is reverent and communal, as believers come together to publicly express their faith.
Vacation Planning
Since it falls on a Thursday, Corpus Christi is another perfect Brückentag opportunity. By taking Friday off, people can create a four-day weekend, which is ideal for a short vacation. For those not in the Catholic states, this is a normal working day, offering a great chance for a quiet day off if they travel to a state where it is a holiday. Travelers can witness the unique and beautiful processions, particularly in Bavaria and the Rhineland-Palatinate, which offer a glimpse into the deep Catholic traditions of these regions.
| Vacation Dates | Used Paid leave | Included holiday | Total vacation days | Applicable States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th June 2026 | 1 | 4th June 2026 | 4 days | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland |