Ascension Day

Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter, and commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven following his resurrection. The celebration has its roots in the early Christian church and has been observed for more than 1,600 years. In Belgium, Ascension Day is an official public holiday and one of five Christian feast days in the national calendar.

In Belgian religious tradition, special masses are held on Ascension Day and processions take place in some municipalities. Because the holiday always falls on a Thursday, many Belgians also take the following Friday off, creating a four-day long weekend. Trips into the countryside and family visits are popular ways to make the most of the extended break.