Contrary to what you probably know, Germans tend to be celebratory during their holidays. Sure, they're a serious and stern bunch most of the time, but during special occasions, you might be surprised at how lively and wild they can get. But they only act like this during national holidays. Germany is the type of country wherein different states in provinces observe different holidays, save for religious holy days. However, the country still has a handful of national holidays that they all celebrate as a whole. Here are those you might want to know more about.
Labor Day (May 1)
It's no secret that Germany is one of the wealthiest and most prosperous countries in the world. It pays to have as stable an economy as theirs, and it's all thanks to
the country's job market and workforce. They are the driving force as to why Germany remains a huge player in the world. So isn't it only natural that they celebrate Labor Day? On the first day of the month of May, workers all over Germany get to relax, have fun, spend time with their families, and more during this much-deserved free day.
Constitution Day (May 23)
Just like in every other country, from
Mexico to
Thailand and beyond, Germany also celebrates its own Constitution Day. Held every May 23rd, commemorating the date it went into effect back in 1949. The holiday pays tribute to the country's current constitution, first referred to as the 'West German Constitution,' which was approved by the Western Allies of World War II. This was the first and for now the only, of its kind that the country, having become a new republic after the Second World War, has established since then. It's considered a 'flag day,' also known as
Beflaggungstage, holiday too, in which all places can hold up the German flag for the special occasion.
Remembrance of 20 July (July 20)
Speaking of World War II, in which Germany had a huge part, the country also remembers July 20 every year as a national holiday too. Called the 'Remembrance of 20 July,' it commemorates the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, then-leader of the Nazi Party in Germany, in an attempt to gain political control of the country. It was also one of, if not the biggest moves the German resistance attempted to make at the time, putting out all the stops make peace with the Western Allies as soon as possible. The assassination attempt, however, eventually failed, and the brains behind it, including officer Claus von Stauffenberg, were executed by the Gestapo.
German Unity Day (October 3)
Also known as National Day in Germany, German Unity Day celebrates the country's reunification back in 1990. It's celebrated every October 3, which was the day when the reunification between the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was officially completed. This day also marked the first time a single German state finally existed on the world stage. Do note, however, many confuse this holiday with that of the day the Berlin Wall came down, which was on November 9, 1989. Although it was a historic and momentous occasion, Germany has yet to establish a holiday for it.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Similar to
the UK,
Ireland,
Iceland, and more, Germany also celebrates Boxing Day every December 26. Often referred to as the 'second day of Christmastide,' it's become more known as a shopping holiday more than anything else. It's on this holiday where most malls, shops, boutiques, and the like put on after-Christmas sales and promos in order to sell off their remaining holiday items. But since Germany is also mostly a Roman Catholic country, many observe December 26 as St. Stephen's Day too. For them, this day is all about going to the church, praying, and spending time with family.
All About Germany’s Quiet Days
On the topic of Germany's holidays, you might frequently stumble upon what they call 'Quiet days.' Called '
Stille Tage,' they refer to a handful of holidays wherein most of the country are required to commemorate and observe in silence. By law, loud public events such as concerts, parades, festivals, and more are prohibited during these quiet days. Even in private places, playing loud music or live performances are not allowed or, if possible, toned down. Most of these quiet days include religious holidays such as Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, All Saints and All Souls Days, and more.
If you ever plan on going to Germany anytime soon, you ought to know more about the country's many holidays. Who knows? If they fall on a day while you're here, it might affect your plans in more ways than one!
Celebrating any of these German holidays in your
luxury home in the country would be ideal, would it not?
