Germany Public Holiday Calendar

Overview of Nationwide Public Holidays

• Good Friday, Easter Monday
  Commemorates the miracle of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and rose again three days later.
  Good Friday is a day of mourning for Jesus' death. Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection. The day after Easter (Easter Monday) is also a public holiday in many countries.
• Ascension Day
  Commemorates the bodily ascension of the resurrected Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of his disciples. This holiday is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter (the Resurrection of Jesus).
• Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
  The day after Whit Sunday/Pentecost (50 days after Easter) is a public holiday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. This event is said to have occurred on the 50th day after Jesus' resurrection.
• German Unity Day
  Commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany (October 3, 1990).

Overview of Regional Holidays

• Epiphany
  Commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men (Magi) to Bethlehem, guided by a star, to worship the infant Jesus after his birth. This visit is considered a symbol of Jesus' manifestation (epiphany) to all people of the world.
• International Women's Day
  A United Nations-designated day aimed at promoting women's rights and gender equality.
• Whit Sunday (Pentecost)
  Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. This event is said to have occurred on the 50th day after Jesus' resurrection.
• Corpus Christi
  A Catholic feast day celebrating the real presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine (the Eucharist) that Jesus is said to have given to his disciples at the Last Supper.
• Augsburg Peace Festival
  A public holiday celebrated exclusively in Augsburg. It commemorates the resolution of conflict between Catholics and Protestants, bringing peace to the city.
• Assumption of Mary
  A Catholic feast day commemorating the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
• World Children's Day
  In Germany, September 20—as advocated by the Catholic Church—is designated as "World Children's Day" (which differs from the date set by the United Nations).
• Reformation Day
  Commemorates Martin Luther's posting of the "Ninety-five Theses," which initiated the Protestant Reformation.
• All Saints' Day
  A Catholic holiday dedicated to commemorating all the saints.
• Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag)
  A Protestant holiday dedicated to repentance and prayer.

Germany's National Flag & Anthem

National Flag

The national flag of Germany is a tricolor of black, red, and gold (yellow). There are various theories regarding what each color symbolizes, such as honor, freedom, and the fatherland, or diligence, passion, and honor. There is no single established definition.

National Anthem