📅 holiday

Repentance Day

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

— days to go

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

Other Years

2026 Wed

18 Nov

2027 Wed

17 Nov

2028 Wed

22 Nov

2025 Wed

19 Nov

2024 Wed

20 Nov

Countries

🇩🇪 DE

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