Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a significant Christian holiday in France that follows the celebration of Pentecost Sunday. The occasion symbolizes the inception of the Holy Church and is believed to signify the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The event is firmly rooted in religious rituals including special mass services, where hymns and prayers dedicated to the Holy Spirit are performed.
In France, Whit Monday is a public holiday confirmed by law since 1886. It's traditionally characterized by numerous local and regional festivities, including fairs, carnivals, and music festivals. In some areas, processions and parades are organized, with people dressed in traditional clothing, dancing to local music, and participating in picnics and communal meals.
However, the status of Whit Monday as a public holiday in France changed in 2005 following a severe heat wave in 2003 - the holiday was officially replaced with Solidarity Day, a working day dedicated to funding initiatives for elderly and disabled individuals. This was met with public and religious opposition, causing the French government to partially reinstate Whit Monday as a public holiday in 2008. As a result, it remains a subject of contention, yet it continues to be observed by a significant portion of the country's population.