Assumption Day Holiday in Vatican City (Holy See)

Date: August 15

Background: Assumption Day, also known as the Feast of the Assumption, is a significant religious holiday in Vatican City and the Catholic Church worldwide. It commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. According to Catholic doctrine, Mary was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory.

History: The belief in Mary's Assumption has been part of Christian tradition since ancient times and was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The papal decree Munificentissimus Deus declared it a dogma that "the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory."

Traditions: In Vatican City, Assumption Day is marked with a special solemnity given its significance and proximity to St. Peter's Basilica. The day typically involves:

• A Papal Mass at St. Peter's Basilica or at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer residence).
• The recitation of the Angelus or Regina Coeli prayer by the Pope.
• A procession may also take place within St. Peter's Square or surrounding areas.

What People Do: On this day, residents of Vatican City and pilgrims from around the world participate in religious observances. They attend Mass at St. Peter's Basilica or join in other spiritual activities such as prayer vigils or devotional gatherings to honor Mary. It is a day for reflection on Mary's role in Christian faith and her example of faithfulness to God's will.

Given that Vatican City is embedded within Rome, many Italians also observe this holiday (Ferragosto) with various secular and religious festivities throughout Italy, including family gatherings, feasts, public concerts, and cultural events.