The Spring Bank Holiday, also known as the Late May Bank Holiday, is a national public holiday in the United Kingdom, and is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It was initially introduced as part of the Banking and Financial Act of 1971. This public holiday is a time for people to enjoy the copious spring flowers in bloom and warmer weather that signifies the transition into summer.
This holiday is one of the bank holidays, which were first introduced by the UK's Bank Holidays Act in 1871. Initially, it was held on the day after Whitsunday, a Christian holiday that takes place seven weeks after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirits upon the apostles of Christ. In 1971, it was permanently moved to the last Monday of May to give people a three-day weekend.
The Spring Bank Holiday is a day of relaxation and leisure. Various events such as festivals, fairs and garden parties are carried out throughout the country. Many people make use of the long weekend to take a short vacation or visit family and friends. Furthermore, the holiday serves as a reminder of the changing season and is seen as a celebration of the arrival of summer.