L’Ascension
Thursday May 9, 2024
L’Ascension is the 40th day after Easter, ten days before lundi de Pentecôte, or Whit Monday, and marks the day that Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven following his crucifixion and resurrection. Before his ascension, Jesus is said to have spent 40 days with his disciples after he rose from death.
It is a public holiday in France. As it is a Thursday, many people ‘font le pont’ and make it into a long weekend.
This year, it follows on directly from VE DAY, Wednesday 8th, to make a mini holiday for many.
Post offices, banks, and many small businesses are closed but these days, most of the major chains will remain open and smaller food shops often keep their usual Sunday hours and open in the morning at least.
The more religious may go to church, but this Bank Holiday is mainly about taking a bit of time to relax with friends and family and enjoy a (nother) long weekend.
