Repentance Day
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
One of Germany’s lesser-known, but still appreciated holidays is known as Repentance Day. Traditionally, it falls eleven days before Advent begin and is a public holiday in Saxony. In 2026, Repentance Day falls on Wednesday 18 November. The holiday will be on Wednesday 17 November in 2027. Repentance Day began in 1878 in the state of Saxony, and the state remains the main place where it is most celebrated. As the name suggests, Repentance Day is a time of quiet reflection, prayer, and seeking of forgiveness for wrongdoing. The ways in which Repentance Day is observed can vary from region to region and house to house. Many Protestants may attend church but may also take the opportunity for a day of rest and reflection in their own homes. It is also possible that regional, state, and national sins might be repented of on this day.
History
Traditionally, it falls eleven days before Advent begin and is a public holiday in Saxony. Repentance Day began in 1878 in the state of Saxony, and the state remains the main place where it is most celebrated
How It's Celebrated
One of Germany’s lesser-known, but still appreciated holidays is known as Repentance Day. Traditionally, it falls eleven days before Advent begin and is a public holiday in Saxony. The holiday will be on Wednesday 17 November in 2027. Repentance Day began in 1878 in the state of Saxony, and the stat