Meaning & Origin
Assumption Day, or Mariä Himmelfahrt, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven, body and soul. This religious holiday, observed on August 15th, is a core dogma of the Catholic Church. The feast day honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her unique place in Christian theology. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the Assumption, the tradition is one of the oldest in the Church, with roots dating back to the 4th century.
Assumption Day will be celebrated on Friday, August 15 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Saturday, August 15.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | August 15 (Friday) | Bavaria Saarland |
| 2026 | August 15 (Saturday) | Bavaria Saarland |
How it’s Observed
Similar to Corpus Christi, this is a regional public holiday, celebrated only in the German states of Bavaria and Saarland. In these regions, many businesses and schools are closed. The holiday is marked by special church services and processions, particularly in traditional, rural Catholic communities. In some areas, the tradition of Kräuterbuschenweihe (the blessing of herbal bouquets) is practiced, where believers bring bunches of medicinal herbs and flowers to church to be blessed. These bouquets are then taken home and kept for good luck and health.
Vacation Planning
As a regional holiday, Assumption Day offers a mid-August break for residents of Bavaria and Saarland. If the 15th falls on a Thursday or Friday, it’s a great opportunity for a long weekend to enjoy the end of the summer season. For those visiting from other German states, it’s important to be aware of the closures in Bavaria and Saarland. You can either plan to relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere or travel to a nearby state where all businesses and attractions will be open as usual.