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Feast of the Ass Day

Don't be an ass - celebrate Feast of the Ass Day with a feast fit for kings and donkeys alike!

Thursday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 14

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the quirky and lesser-known holiday, Feast of the Ass Day on January 14! This unusual holiday dates back to medieval times when it was a Christian celebration honoring the donkey who carried Mary to Bethlehem before giving birth to Jesus. Nowadays, it's a fun and light-hearted holiday that celebrates these loyal and hardworking animals. So why not take this day as an opportunity to appreciate the humble donkey and all their contributions? Let's make this Feast of the Ass Day one to remember!

TIMELINE

Feast of the Ass Day Timeline

Early Mentions of Ass Worship

Early records show that the ass was esteemed in religious rites particularly in Eastern Christianity, paving the way for what was to become the Feast of the Ass.

First Documented Feast

The first documented celebration of the Feast of the Ass occurred in Besançon, France, evidencing its established place in religious festivities.

Feast Popularity Peaks

The Feast of the Ass reached the height of its popularity, with festivities involving a procession and a mass led by a girl riding a donkey into church.

Feast Decline

Church authorities began suppressing the Feast of the Ass due to its loud and boisterous nature, leading to its decrease in popularity.

Feast Revival

The Feast of the Ass experienced a small scale revival when Robert Antelme and his team brought back the festival in medieval fashion in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines, France.

Modern Celebrations

Nowadays, the holiday is enjoyed as a quirky celebration of donkeys, their historical significance, and contribution to humanity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Feast of the Ass Day

Host an ass-themed potluck

Gather friends and family for a feast of dishes that incorporate foods associated with donkeys, such as carrots, oats, and hay. Get creative with recipes and decorations to really embrace the spirit of the holiday.

TAKE

Take a donkey ride

Find a local farm or petting zoo that offers donkey rides and take one in honor of Feast of the Ass Day. You'll get to connect with these gentle creatures and have a unique experience to commemorate the holiday.

WATCH

Watch a movie featuring donkeys

Cozy up on the couch with some popcorn and watch a movie like "Shrek," "The Three Amigos," or "Pinocchio" that includes lovable donkey characters. It's a fun way to celebrate Feast of the Ass Day while also enjoying a good film.

DONATE

Donate to a donkey charity

Support a donkey sanctuary or rescue organization by making a donation in honor of Feast of the Ass Day. Not only will you be celebrating the holiday, but you'll also be helping to improve the lives of these amazing animals.

WEAR

Wear an ass-themed outfit

Get into the spirit of the holiday by dressing up in an outfit featuring donkey or ass designs. This can be as simple as wearing a shirt with a donkey print or as elaborate as creating a full costume. It's a fun and silly way to celebrate Feast of the Ass Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Feast of the Ass Day

It encourages us to appreciate the silliness in life

In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in seriousness and stress. Feast of the Ass Day reminds us to take a step back and find joy in the silly things. It's a lighthearted holiday that reminds us to not take ourselves too seriously.

It brings a touch of humor to our celebrations

Feast of the Ass Day is not a traditional holiday by any means, but its quirky and humorous nature adds a bit of fun to our everyday lives. It's the perfect excuse to let loose and have a good laugh with friends and family!

It's a chance to learn about different cultures

The Feast of the Ass is primarily celebrated in France, but it has roots in other European countries as well. By observing this holiday, we can expand our knowledge and understanding of different cultures and their unique holiday traditions.