Assumption Day (15 août) - Mary and Summer Celebrations

The Assumption of Mary remains a public holiday, offering a mid-August pause. While religious significance has faded for many, the day anchors summer traditions and provides occasion for family gatherings.

Pilgrimages and Processions

Major Marian pilgrimage sites like Lourdes see peak attendance around August 15th. Processions honoring Mary occur in many communities, often incorporating local traditions. In Le Puy-en-Velay, the festival combines religious ceremony with Renaissance fair, celebrating both faith and heritage.

Secular August 15th

For non-religious French, August 15th simply extends summer vacation. Beaches, mountains, and tourist sites experience peak crowding. The holiday's persistence despite secularization shows how religious calendar markers can acquire independent cultural value.