Assumption Day, celebrated every 15th of August, is widely observed in Rwanda as a public holiday. It is a Christian festival that commemorates the belief in the Virgin Mary's bodily ascension to heaven after her death. As a country predominantly Catholic, this highly spiritual day is marked with religious processions, special church services, and various cultural celebrations.
The day's unique customs in Rwanda involve pilgrimages to numerous shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary. One notable site is in Kibeho, a small village in southern Rwanda, gaining a reputation as Africa's 'Lourdes' due to apparitions of the Virgin Mary that took place there in the 1980s. On Assumption Day, thousands of pilgrims flock here to participate in the Virgin Mary's honor ceremonies.
Aside from its religious significance, Assumption Day in Rwanda also contributes to the reinforcement of a sense of community. The holiday is an opportunity for families and friends to gather and share a meal, emphasizing the importance of unity and fellowship. It is also a time for people to raise their voices in prayer, requesting divine blessings and giving thanks for the year's harvest.