I recently found out there is a holiday on May 20th (at least in Belgium) called "pinksteren" - I have never heard of this before? I am told most shops and banks will be closed. Can someone please enlighten me? Thank you. Diane Moll.
Can anyone tell me what the holiday "pinksteren" is on May 20th?
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Pinksteren is Whitsuntide (Sunday, May 19) observed in a lot of European countries.
Monday, May 20 is 2. Pinksterdag (Whit Monday).
In France, Pentecote and Lundi de Pentecote.
Diane,
Indeed everything will be closed on Pinksteren (Sunday) and 2nd Pinksterdag (Monday). 2nd Pinksterdag is one of our 10 official national holidays.
Also called Pentecost to commemorate teh descent of the Holy Ghost upon teh Apostles, 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus, and, of course, the date changes every year.
Thank you all very much. We have been in Belgium before for the Procession of the Holy Blood and realized everything was closed but this description was one I never heard of. The apartment where we are staying specifically said this particular holiday was on Monday, the 20th, they didn't mention the 19th. It won't be a problem for us but it is good to know up front so we can plan our agenda accordingly. Thanks so much.
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Germany too - it's called Pfingsten. [that's how I eventually worked out what you were talking about!]