Whit Monday: Is it a religious holiday in US and UK? Here’s what’s open and closed

For many in Europe, Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, means a day off work. But what does this religious holiday actually signify? Whit Monday is a public holiday observed in many historically Christian countries in Europe, including Belgium, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland.

Whit Monday falls the day after Pentecost Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar. Pentecost Sunday occurs 50 days after Easter and is determined by the lunar calendar. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles following the death of Jesus, which led to the first sermon and marked the birth of the Christian Church. This day is celebrated by Christians of Catholic, Protestant, and Lutheran faiths with special church services.

Cultural Celebrations in Belgium

In Belgium, Whit Monday is marked by various traditions. Near Charleroi, the town of Gerpinnes hosts a large folkloric procession in honor of Saint-Rolende. This centuries-old tradition sees thousands of participants donning costumes from the first and second Napoleonic regimes, marching through the town in a vibrant display of cultural heritage.

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What's Closed Today?

Being a mandatory bank holiday, most businesses and public services in Belgium are closed today. Bank branches will remain shut, though the Belgian Federation of the Financial Sector (Febelfin) assures that online banking services will continue to operate. "Banks remain digitally available any time of the day. During bank closing days, digital payment services will still work. So you can always do online and mobile banking and pay with your card," Febelfin confirmed.

Most government offices, municipal administration buildings, and Bpost post offices will also be closed. Mail services will resume on Tuesday, though some postal points within local convenience stores may still be accessible. Most doctors are off duty as well, but non-urgent medical care is available through on-call services by dialing 1733. Hospitals remain open for emergency care.

While the majority of pharmacies are closed, at least one pharmacy in each local area will be on duty, and the nearest one can be found online.

Shopping and Dining

Most shopping centers, retail shops, and supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Cora, Makro, Okay, and Colruyt are closed today. However, grocery stores that typically remain open on Sundays and public holidays, such as local Carrefour and Delhaize stores, as well as some Intermarché and Spar shops, will be open. It is advisable to check online for the specific opening hours of local stores.

Many bars, restaurants, and cafés are expected to be open, though it is recommended to verify via their websites or social media. Additionally, Belgian Museums Week is ongoing, offering unique tours, workshops, concerts, and parties at various museums from 18 to 26 May.

Public Transport Operations

The impact of Whit Monday on public transport is minimal. Brussels' STIB network will run on a Sunday timetable, with tram line 19 interrupted between Jette Cemetery and De Wand until Tuesday morning. SNCB trains across Belgium will operate on a weekend timetable, with the Weekend ticket option – offering up to 50% discount for travel from Friday evening until Sunday – extended until Monday. De Lijn in Flanders and TEC in Wallonia will also operate on a Sunday timetable, returning to normal schedules on Tuesday.

Is Whit Monday a holiday in the US?

Whit Monday is not a public holiday, and businesses maintain their regular opening hours. The day follows Pentecost, which, according to Christian tradition, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus Christ's disciples.

Is Whit Monday a holiday in the UK?

Whit Monday is not a public holiday, and businesses operate as usual. The dove, as shown in the image above, commonly symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

FAQs

What is the meaning of Whit Monday?
Also known as Pentecost Monday, Whit Monday is a public holiday in several countries. It falls the day after the Christian festival of Pentecost (or Whit Sunday), which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles of Jesus Christ.

Why is it called Whit Weekend?
The seventh Sunday after Easter is known as Whit Sunday, traditionally regarded in Ireland as a "fatal and unlucky time," believed to be the unluckiest day of the year. The term "whit" is believed to derive from "white," symbolizing the purity of Christ.