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Where Reformation Day is a Holiday in Germany
Discover which German federal states observe Reformation Day on October 31st as a public holiday and learn about the historical significance behind it.
Reformation Day falls on October 31st each year, celebrating Martin Luther’s pivotal moment in 1517 when he published his 95 Theses, sparking the Reformation and laying the foundation for Protestantism. While this day is significant across Germany, it is only a public holiday in specific federal states, predominantly those with Protestant traditions. Here’s a look at where Reformation Day is observed as a work- and school-free day, its historical background, and how it’s marked today.
Where Reformation Day is a Public Holiday
On October 31, schools, shops, and offices will be closed in the following German states in 2024:
- Brandenburg
- Bremen
- Hamburg
- Lower Saxony
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Thuringia
In these predominantly Protestant regions, October 31 is a recognized public holiday, making it a break from work and school.
However, in federal states with a largely Catholic population, Reformation Day is not observed as an official public holiday:
- Baden-Württemberg
- Bavaria
- Berlin
- Hesse
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Saarland
Though it is not a day off, church services and masses are still held in these areas for those who wish to observe the holiday’s religious importance.
Why Reformation Day is Celebrated
Reformation Day commemorates the moment on October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther, a German theologian, published his 95 Theses. This document criticized practices within the Roman Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences, which allowed wealthy patrons to pay for forgiveness of sins. Luther argued that this practice distorted the true purpose of the Church and was unbiblical. His actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to a fundamental shift in the structure of Christianity in Western Europe. As more individuals joined the movement, it marked the rise of Protestantism and eventually reshaped religious practice and policy across Europe.
Upcoming Reformation Days
Here’s when Reformation Day will occur in the coming years:
- 2024: Thursday, October 31
- 2025: Friday, October 31
- 2026: Saturday, October 31
- 2027: Sunday, October 31
