Why is August 15th a public holiday in France? Origin and story of the Assumption

France enjoys 11 public holidays (religious and civil celebrations). Among them, the Assumption taking place every summer on August 15^th. Careful though, you shall not mistake it with the Ascension, celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter.

Although a lot of people enjoy the 15^th of August because it is another public holiday in the year, others do not forget this is first and foremost a religious celebration. Every August 15^th, Christians commemorate the assumption of Jesus’ mother Mary into Heaven. That day, according to the Catholic faith, the Virgin Mary has been bodily “taken up into Heaven” at the end of her earthly life.

Day off, August 15 is the occasion for believers to celebrate this day but also to gather together to share and pray. Moreover, every year, many of them go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

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But where does the celebration of the Assumption come from in France and why is August 15^th a public holiday? It originates back to the reign of Louis XIII (1610-1643), son of Henri IV and Marie de’ Medici. As they struggle to produce an heir with his wide, Anne of Austria, the king starts praying the Virgin Mary. Processions in parishes are even held on August 15. Miracle, in 1637, the young Louis – who will become Louis XIV – is born. Louis XIII then decides that August 15^th will be a Marian celebration, honoring the Virgin Mary.

August 15^th is all the more so as important than before, this date has been chosen to be French national day from 1806 to 1813. But ultimately, the 14^th of July is picked and definitively decreed as the national day in 1880, and August 15^th is named public holiday. As for the “assumption” word, it only appears in 1950 when pope Pie XII decides to make the dogma of the Assumption official.

And discover what to do on August 15, 2022 in Paris:

What to do on this Monday August 15, 2022, public holiday, in Paris?
What are we doing this Monday August 15 in Paris, on the Assumption? Between museums, open-air exhibitions, shopping spree, entertainments, tours and strolls or good deals, here are ideas to go out clever without ending up holding air. [Read more]