Ascension Day, known as Jour de l'Ascension in French, is a nationwide holiday in France. It is an annual event that typically falls on a Thursday, 40 days after Easter Sunday, and commemorates the Christian belief of Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. The observance of this day dates back to biblical times, and it marks the end of the Eastertide season in the Christian calendar.
In France, Ascension Day is a public holiday that is celebrated with immense religious fervor and a variety of local customs and traditions. These include masses and processions to local churches. Most businesses, post offices, banks, stores, and other services are likely to be closed or have reduced working hours on this day. The holiday gives the French populace an opportunity for long weekend breaks, since many people take Friday off, which is not officially a public holiday.
This religious holiday is not just an occasion to commemorate Christ's ascent into heaven; it also holds deep cultural significance in French society. In some parts of France, especially in rural areas, special feasts are held, and traditional games and entertainment are organized. Overall, despite the solemnity of Ascension Day, it is also a day of communal joy and kinship reflecting the rich cultural and religious fabric of France.