Each year, Ascension falls on a Thursday and is one of the public holidays in the calendar. Behind this well-known break lies a major festival in the Christian tradition. What is the significance of this religious celebration?
The Ascension occupies an important place in the Christian religion. However, for many French people, this date mainly evokes a public holiday and the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend thanks to the bridge. In 2026, it will be celebrated Thursday May 14. This festival always takes place on a Thursday, approximately forty days after Easter Sunday, and corresponds to a high point in the Christian calendar.
What is Ascension?
The Ascension refers to a Christian religious festival which marks the moment when Jesus joins his father God in heaven, on the fortieth day after his resurrection. It is celebrated as a continuation of Easter, and also announces the Pentecost which arrives ten days after the Ascension. Concretely, it is the entry of Christ into the glory of God. This religious episode is mentioned in certain holy texts, notably in the New Testament. Ascension Day is one of the traditional festivals, and is celebrated in all Christian churches. Even today, Ascension is registered as a public holiday in many European countries, including France.
Do schools do the Ascension Bridge?
In France, since 2015 and the decision of the former Minister of National Education, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, all schools make the Ascension Bridge. This allows more than twelve million students to have a four-day weekend which is granted to all, and no longer by simple decision of the rectorate of each academic region.
Why is Ascension a public holiday?
Ascension Day has been a public holiday since 1801 and the Concordat treaty signed between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII. Long before that, at the time, the French lived to the rhythm of Christian festivals. Over time, certain secular celebrations had replaced these religious festivals, so the former Emperor wanted to remedy this. Since that day, Ascension has become one of the non-working Christian holidays, along with Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc.
Should we talk about Ascension Bridge or Ascension Weekend?
We use the expression “Ascension Bridge” because Ascension Thursday is today extended with the Friday that follows. In total, for some it makes a 4 day long weekend, Thursday to Sundaywithout working. It is for this reason also that we speak of “Ascension weekend”. Both expressions are therefore valid.
- Ascension of Jesus. The Encyclopædia Universalis: https://www.universalis.fr/encyclopedie/ascension-de-jesus/
