23 saved#4,222 of 6,224

Feast of the Assumption

Join in the celebration of Feast of the Assumption with delicious food, vibrant processions, and meaningful traditions honoring the Virgin Mary.

Saturday

August 2026

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

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEAugust 15

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for August 15, because it's time to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption! This Christian holiday commemorates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven both body and soul. It has been celebrated since the 6th century and is a significant day for Catholics around the world. The feast is also known as the Dormition of Mary in Eastern Orthodox churches and is a symbol of hope and faith in the divine. So let's take this day to honor Mary and all her virtues while also rejoicing in our own spiritual journey.

TIMELINE

Feast of the Assumption Timeline

First Mention of the Feast

The Feast of the Assumption started to be mentioned in Christian texts during the 6th Century, evidencing its early celebration within the Christian community.

Assumption Ritual Established

Pope Sergius I, in 687, ordered the celebration of four major Marian feasts in Rome, one of them being the Feast of the Assumption.

Feast Survives East-West Schism

After the East-West Schism of 1054, both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches continued to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, identifying it as a shared tradition.

Assumption Defined as Dogma

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary as an article of faith for Roman Catholics, further cementing the celebration's religious significance.

Worldwide Observance

Today, the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated worldwide with processions, masses, and various cultural festivities, reflecting its enduring importance in Christian tradition.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Feast of the Assumption

Attend a mass or religious service

The Feast of the Assumption is a religious holiday, so one way to celebrate is to attend a mass or religious service at your local church.

HAVE

Have a traditional Italian feast

The Feast of the Assumption is a significant holiday in Italy, so why not celebrate by preparing and enjoying a traditional Italian feast with your family and friends.

TAKE

Take a pilgrimage to a holy site

Many people make pilgrimages on the Feast of the Assumption to holy sites associated with the Virgin Mary. Consider taking a pilgrimage to a local shrine or church dedicated to her.

CREATE

Create an Assumption-themed art piece

Get creative and make an art piece that reflects the Feast of the Assumption. You could paint a picture, make a collage, or even create a sculpture.

READ

Read about the history and significance of the holiday

Take some time to learn about the history and significance of the Feast of the Assumption. You can read books or articles, watch documentaries, or attend a lecture or workshop on the topic.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Feast of the Assumption is Important

It is a time for reflection and gratitude

For many, Feast of the Assumption is not just a religious holiday, it is also a time for personal reflection and gratitude. It serves as a reminder to appreciate life and all of its blessings, and to remember the sacrifices made by the Virgin Mary for the good of humanity.

It celebrates an important religious event

The Feast of the Assumption commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven after her death. This event holds great significance in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian faiths, and is celebrated with various religious ceremonies and traditions.

It brings communities together

Feast of the Assumption is celebrated in many countries around the world, bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together to honor and remember the Virgin Mary. This celebration promotes unity and solidarity among believers and non-believers alike.