Most people in Belgium are enjoying yet another long weekend, thanks to today's religious holiday. But what exactly is celebrated on 15 August?
As with many public holidays in Belgium and beyond, 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'. However, 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 usually revolves around the figure of the Virgin.
Belgium's belated Mother's Day?
15 August also marks Mother's Day in Antwerp – a tradition that dates back over 110 years. Unlike the rest of the country, which celebrates this day in May, the Flemish city honours mothers on Assumption Day, as this is the name day of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Antwerp also has a close relationship with Mary, as she has been the city's Patron Saint since the Middle Ages.
Even Father's Day also has a different date in Antwerp: while celebrated on the second Sunday in June for most of the world, the people of Antwerp hold it on 19 March, as this is the name day of Joseph of Nazareth, Jesus' father.
What's open today?
As on other public holidays in Belgium, most public services, shops and offices will be closed during the day.
Bank branches will remain shut. However, "banks remain digitally available any time of the day. Digital payment services still work, so you can always do online and mobile banking and pay with your card," according to the Belgian Federation of the Financial Sector (Febelfin).
Most services and government offices, as well as municipal administration buildings, will also be closed, as will most Bpost branches. Some postal points within local convenience stores may still be accessible on Friday, however.
Most doctors will also not be working on Friday. Those in need of medical care can receive help from an on-call doctor. When your regular doctor is not working, you should call the number 1733, the number for non-urgent medical help linked to local on-call services. Hospitals will remain open.
The majority of pharmacies will be closed but at least one pharmacy in the local area will be open and on duty. The nearest on-duty pharmacy can be found here.
Illustration picture shows the Anderlecht branch of hypermarket chain Cora, in Brussels, on Tuesday 08 April 2025. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Most shopping centres and retail shops as well as a vast majority of supermarkets across the country – Aldi, Lidl, Cora, Makro, Okay, and Colruyt – are closed today.
Only grocery stores that ordinarily remain open on Sundays and public holidays are likely to be open, including local Carrefour and Delhaize stores, as well as a limited number of Intermarché and Spar shops. They will follow their Sunday opening hours. It is worth checking online to see whether your local shop is open or not.
Many bars, restaurants and cafés will likely be open, but again, it is advised to check online or via social media whether businesses are open.
Rubbish collection operates as usual on public holidays, according to regional agency Brussels Cleanliness.
Credit: Belga
What about public transport?
Public transport will also be impacted over the public holiday. Brussels public transport operator STIB/MIVB will follow its Sunday timetable.
SNCB/NMBS trains across Belgium will also operate on the weekend timetable. As it is an extended weekend, SNCB/NMBS' Weekend ticket option – which gives passengers up to 50% discount for travel from Friday evening until Sunday – is valid from Thursday until Sunday. Find more information on the SNCB/NMBS website.
De Lijn in Flanders and TEC in Wallonia will also operate on the Sunday timetable. From Monday, the normal timetable will apply again for all companies.
What's happening in Brussels today?
Thanks to the long weekend, Brussels' cultural agenda is packed with activities and events. Head over to Bois de la Cambre for a family-friendly festival dedicated to street art and theatre, or enjoy free rock, pop, blues and jazz concerts in Sablon. Or why not step into Asia in the northern Tour & Taxis district with sizzling woks, fragrant curries, K-pop and calligraphy aplenty?
In the city centre of Brussels, Flowertime and the Dance Festival are already underway – the perfect summery activities for a public holiday.
Find more information on all of this week's top picks in our agenda here.
