2015 Bank Holidays in Europe

2015 Bank Holidays in Europe follow the dictates as laid down by the Bank Holidays Act 1971. However at that time only four days were given the status of national holidays, and as such, additions made to it later on.

As per the rules of the land if such a holiday coincides with Sunday, then the following Monday is declared a holiday to observe the occasion.

New Year's Day – People are granted leave to enjoy the beginning of the brand new year. Each country has its own traditional way of welcoming the New Year which may range from First Footing to eating symbolic food. But almost every country sees a spectacular arrangement of fireworks in the night sky as the clock strikes midnight to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the New Year.

Good Friday – This is a holy day of fasting in Christendom that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a day of mourning, and there are special Church services organized to properly mark the occasion. In certain countries some activities are prohibited in keeping with the fact that this is not a day to make merry. Example – Ireland prohibits the sale of liquor on this day.

Easter Monday – This is the day after Easter Sunday, and is considered to be the second day of the Bright Week by the Christendom. Various countries have specific traditions to mark the occasion, but egg rolling competition is pretty common in almost all the countries. Some people sprinkle their homes and food with holy water that was blessed at the Easter Church Services as a mark of good omen.

Labor Day – This is the day that commemorates the struggle of the Laborers and Workers that led to the establishment of Labor Unions and brought about humane working hours, minimum wages and permissible working condition for the Working Class. This is also the day to convey to the Laborers how important their contribution is to the economic growth of any country.

Anniversary of Robert Schuman's Declaration – Named after the then French Foreign Minister, Anniversary of Robert Schuman's Declaration marks the day when the States that formed Europe were organized to form a “super national” community, which is believed to have led to the foundation of the European Union.

Ascension Day – This is commemorated universally by the Christendom to mark the occasion of the bodily ascent of Jesus Christ to Heaven. There are many traditions that mark the occasion like beating the boundaries, blessing beans and grapes, etc.

Whit Monday – Also known as the Pentecost Monday or the Monday of the Holy Spirit, this is the day when it is believed that the Christian Churches originated. This is the day when the Christians believe that He descended upon the Apostles who thereby received the “gift of tongue”.

Corpus Christi – This is a Christian solemn Feast that establishes the fact that the body and blood of Jesus was present in the Eucharist. Special Church services are held to mark the occasion. Apart from that in many places street parades too can be seen.

Day of German Unity – This is the day that commemorates the reunification of Germany in the year 1990, and is observed with a number of festivities in honor of the occasion.

All Saints' Day – Also known as Solemnity or Feast of All Saints, this is the day when all Saints, known or unknown, are paid homage. A common tradition for the Church Choir is to sing the hymns of "For All the Saints" by Walsham How and "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God" among a few others.

Christmas Eve – This marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday season and people take this opportunity of having a non working day to finish off their last minute preparations, from planning the feast, to putting up the Christmas tree or to do that last minute shopping. A Midnight Mass is conducted at most Churches to mark the occasion.

Christmas Day – Since many of the residents of the countries that form the European Union are predominantly Christian by religion, Christmas is a big day of celebrations in Europe for it marks the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ whom the Christians consider to be the Son of God. Apart from Church Services, holiday décor, feasting and a general air of merriment makes it one of the most joyous occasions of the year.

Christmas Holiday – This is the next day following Christmas and is also known as Boxing Day in some countries. This is the day that was traditionally observed to open Christmas gifts and to grant the household helps a leave after their hard work on Christmas Day so that they could take home boxes of food and gifts given to them by their employer. Today this day is observed to reorganize one’s home and schedule before one gets back to work after the Christmas holidays.

New Year's Eve – This is the last day of the existing year and people make preparations to welcome the New Year with a bang. Parties, banquets, dances, balls, luxury cruises and entertainment of all conceivable forms mark the occasion. As the clock strikes midnight, there are several traditions specific to countries and regions that people adhere to.

List of 2015 Bank Holidays in Europe