Ascension Day, also known as Father’s Day or Men’s Day in Germany, is a public holiday nationally recognized. It is annually celebrated on a Thursday, 40 days after Easter Sunday, celebrating Jesus Christ's ascension to heaven as mentioned in the Bible. Traditionally, it is a day when people attend church ceremonies, spend time with their families, and participate in outdoor activities. Ascension Day being considered as Father's Day is a relatively modern tradition in Germany, which gained popularity in the late 18th century.
During Ascension Day in Germany, it is common to see groups of males, both young and old, spending the day together and often indulging in local beer as part of the custom. They usually take part in a hiking tour where small wagons filled with wine or beer and traditional regional foods are rolled along. These wagons are known as 'Bollerwagen' and represent a significant part of the day's festive spirit. The celebration of Father’s Day on Ascension Day is rather unique to Germany and is a much-anticipated event among citizens.
However, it is noteworthy that Ascension Day is not just about celebrating fatherhood. As a religious holiday, many Germans attend special church services which may include the procession to a local hill featuring wayside shrines or religious symbols. The walk to the hill is meant to symbolize Christ’s ascension to heaven. Ascension Day is also seen as the start of particular practices, including the beginning of the open-air cultural and social events season. While it is a day of revelry for some, it is also a day of tradition and religious observance for others.