Every year on 15 August, Belgium celebrates Assumption Day with a public holiday. Many businesses and services are closing their doors on Thursday for what many will turn into a four-day weekend, but what exactly is celebrated today?
Like many public holidays in Belgium and Europe, the holiday has its roots in the Christian religion and is celebrated on the same date every year. As its name indicates, 'the Assumption of Mary into Heaven' – usually shortened to 'Assumption' – marks the moment when the Virgin Mary left her earthly life and entered Heaven.
In Christian and Orthodox tradition, the holiday is regarded as the Virgin's 'heavenly birthday' and is celebrated as a promise that all Christian devotees will also be received in Heaven.
Dutch speakers in Belgium often refer to the day as 'the Ascension of Mary' but according to the Catholic faith, this is incorrect: Mary did not ascend to Heaven herself, but was taken up into Heaven by God. The Ascension is reserved for her son, Jesus Christ.
Assumption Day is most commonly celebrated by devotees who attend mass, where the subject of the sermon typically revolves around the figure of the Virgin.
What is happening today?
For those in search of a summery activity to enjoy their day off work, Brussels will also start creating its iconic flower carpet at the Grand-Place on Thursday. The work of art measures 1,600 m² and every edition attracts thousands of visitors.
Additionally, Hangar is organising its second show in front of the Royal Palace on Thursday, this time featuring German DJ and record producer Boris Brejcha.
In the evening, the MIMA museum in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean is staying open a little longer to give people the opportunity to visit its current exhibition 'MULTITUDE' by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils, while enjoying a DJ set with a drink.
The Flower Carpet in August 2022. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
While the majority of public museums in the city will close for the day, some others – such as the privately-owned Van Buuren museum near Uccle, for example – will welcome art-deco lovers who will be able to enjoy a visit to the property's gardens (weather permitting). The Atomium and Mini-Europe park are also both open on Assumption Day.
Lastly, most cinemas in Brussels will also continue to hold regular showings on Thursday, such as Cinema Aventure, Cinema Galeries and UGC cinemas. Find this month's suggestions on what to watch here.
What's open today?
As with other public holidays, most offices, shops and services are closed for the day. Public and administration services, such as postal services, will not operate on 15 August, and neither will banks.
Postal services will also be shut for the day: there will be no delivery of letters, packages or newspapers, but some postal points within local convenience stores may still be accessible.
Belgium's national railway service SNCB, bus services De Lijn and TEC and Brussels public transport company STIB will continue to operate on Thursday, but at a reduced Sunday service schedule.
As for groceries, the vast majority of supermarkets across the country – Aldi, Cora, Lidl, Makro and Okay – are closed today. However, most Carrefour and Delhaize supermarkets will remain open, as will some Intermarché and Spar shops, albeit with adjusted hours. Colruyt shops throughout the country will be closed, except for the branches on the coast.
A statue of the Virgin Mary. Credit: Belga / Bruno Fahy
Many shopping malls and retail shops across the country, such as City 2 and Docks Bruxsel, will remain closed, as will most other stores, such as the chains on Rue Neuve in Brussels' city centre. Independent clothing stores may remain open, but this may vary according to location.
Most pharmacies will remain closed, but for urgent needs and medication, people can contact the pharmacist-on-duty in their municipality. The nearest on-duty pharmacy can be found here.
Police services remain accessible at all times but district offices are closed, meaning they are not available for administrative matters. Those needing urgent police assistance should call the emergency number 112.
