Holidays

Holidays in Germany

Only the national holiday has been established in Germany by a state treaty. All other holidays fall under the decision-making jurisdiction of the individual federal states, resulting in an uneven distribution. Nevertheless, there are a total of nine common holidays that are celebrated nationwide in all 16 states.

Eleven states have opted for additional holidays, which is mainly explained by the wide spread of the Catholic faith in these states. Bavaria leads the way with 13 holidays – Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein have only nine.

According to the constitution, all holidays, like Sundays, are to be understood as “days of rest from work and spiritual upliftment.” However, numerous exceptions ensure that not all shops are forced to be closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Overview

New Year’s Day – on January 1

Karif Friday – two days before Easter Sunday

(Easter Sunday – after the first full moon in spring)

Easter Monday – one day after Easter Sunday

Labor Day – on May 1

Ascension Day – 39 days after Easter Sunday

(Pentecost Sunday – 49 days after Easter Sunday)

Pentecost Monday – 50 days after Easter Sunday

German Unity Day – on October 3

1st Christmas Day – on December 25

2nd Christmas Day – on December 26

What to know about selected holidays

Charlemas Friday

The Friday before Easter, day of the biblical crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is a so-called “silent holiday.” In most states, there are special requirements that must be observed. For example, there is a ban on dancing, and cinema films whose “character contradicts this silent holiday to such an extent that a violation of religious or moral sensibilities is to be feared” are not given a holiday release by the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body (Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle, FSK) in accordance with paragraph 29.

German Unity Day

For decades after World War II and the establishment of two German states, two different national holidays were celebrated in the East and the West. Since 1990 there has been the “Day of German Unity”, enshrined in the Unification Treaty. It marks the accession of the GDR to the FRG on 3 October, i.e. the completion of reunification.

Each year, the state that currently holds the presidency of the Bundesrat hosts the official celebration, which is also intensively covered by the media. In addition, there is a colorful round of festivals and events up and down the country.

Christmas

Christmas is traditionally celebrated with the family. Homes are festively decorated and in many places decorated with pyramids of lights, angels and candle arches. While usually on Christmas Eve the Christmas tree is set up and the gifts are distributed on a smaller scale – for the children is often Bescherung by Santa Claus or Christ Child – one meets on Christmas holidays with the relatives.

Much importance is attached to a special and sumptuous Christmas meal. Especially on Christmas Day, it is customary in many families to prepare a roast goose.