The Day of Our Lady of Sorrows is a significant holiday in Slovakia, celebrated every year on September 15. This day is a public holiday and holds deep religious significance rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, under the designation of Our Lady of Sorrows, recognising her intense suffering and grief during the crucifixion and death of her son, Jesus Christ. The day is commemorated with church masses, processions, and prayers.
The Day of Our Lady of Sorrows is not just a day of sorrow but also a day of acknowledging Mary's strength and compassion. It recognises that amidst her own sorrow and pain during the crucifixion of her son, Mary showed immense love and compassion not only towards Jesus but also to all humankind. In Slovakia, people also believe that celebrating this day brings hope and comfort to those experiencing their own suffering. Prayers and masses held in churches are full of petitions for strength and solace.
The celebration is heightened in the town of Šaštín-Stráže in Western Slovakia, where the largest church in Slovakia, the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows, is located. It is a place of pilgrimage for many Slovaks during this holiday. Fellowships and meals in the community are also common, forming part of the cultural tradition of this holy day. The Day of Our Lady of Sorrows has been a national holiday in Slovakia since 1995 and is a testament to the deep faith of the Slovakians and their reverence for the Virgin Mary.