Public holidays in Germany are determined by each federal state such that, for instance, Repentance Day is only a holiday in Saxony and Assumption Day is only celebrated in the states of Bavaria and Saarland. The exception to this rule is the Day of German Unity, which is a federally mandated public holiday marked on October 3 each year.

Of course, many public holidays are celebrated in every state, making them de facto national holidays as well. Each public holiday in Germany is marked with special events related to the religious or cultural event they commemorate.

While many Germans take part in these events, public holidays today are an opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy. And when a Friday or Monday holiday creates a long weekend, it’s guaranteed that families and individuals will make the most of the opportunity to travel – particularly in the summertime!