Alongside Easter,Assumption Day and All Saints' Day, there's alsoAscension Day, which falls this year on Thursday May 9, 2024. A public holiday in France, we explain the origin and history of this religious celebration, which traditionally takes place 40 days after Easter Sunday. Its date therefore changes every year, but always takes place on a Thursday, allowing some French people to take advantage of the famous Ascension Bridge.
But what's behind this holiday?Ascension, not to be confused withAssumption, which takes place on August 15, comes from the Latin"ascensio", meaning"to go up towards". For Christians, the feast of the Ascension refers to Christ's ascension to heaven, symbolizing eternal life. According to the Bible, the dead and risen Jesus ascended forty days after Easter, and disappeared before the eyes of the Apostles. The feast, initiated by Pope Leo I the Great, has been celebrated since the 4th century.
But when did Ascension Thursday become a public holiday in France? It dates back to theAncien Régime, when Christian feasts were a regular feature of French life.
Note thatAscension Day is celebrated in many other European countries, with the exception of Spain, Portugal and Greece. This year,Ascension Day falls on May 9, the day after May 8, another public holiday in France.
Ascension Day in Paris: museums and monuments open this Thursday, May 9
A new public holiday in France, a new opportunity to enjoy the beautiful museums and monuments near you: this Thursday, May 9, 2024, is Ascension Day. But which cultural venues remain open on this public holiday? Here's the lowdown. [Read more]
Looking for a department store or shopping center open on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 9, 2024? Discover the list of places open or closed for shopping sprees in Paris and Île-de-France on this public holiday! [Read more]
Looking for ideas for Ascension Day in Paris, and in particular for this Thursday, May 9, 2024 holiday? We've put together a list of ideas to help you have a great day off, with lots of entertainment and good deals. [Read more]
This Thursday, May 9, 2024, is the long-awaited Ascension Day! So yes, there's no school or work (well, we hope for your sake) on this beautiful Thursday holiday: plenty of time to take the little ones out and enjoy the fine weather! [Read more]
Ascension Day in Paris: museums and monuments open this Thursday, May 9
Stores and shopping centers open this Thursday, May 9, Ascension Day 2024 in Paris and the Paris Region
What to do this Thursday, May 9, 2024 Ascension Day holiday in Paris and surrounding areas, good open plans
What to do this Ascension Day, Thursday, May 9, 2024 in Paris? Our 10 ideas for outings with children
