Assumption in Andorra
Andorra includes the Assumption on 15 August in its labour calendar as a paid public holiday. The date has Catholic significance, but the Government’s description of Andorra’s national Marian celebration concerns Our Lady of Meritxell on 8 September, a separate feast with its own traditions.[1][3]
The feast and its meaning
The Catholic Church teaches that Mary, after completing her earthly life, was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. Pope Pius XII formally defined this belief as Catholic dogma in 1950; it is the religious meaning behind the Assumption.[5]
The Government’s cultural account describes the 8 September gathering for Our Lady of Meritxell as a national celebration, with Marian religious observances and an important Mass at the sanctuary.[3]
Its status in Andorra
The Government’s labour calendar lists the Assumption on 15 August. Andorra’s labour law provides that employees are entitled to the holidays established in the labour calendar, with pay, subject to the applicable rules and sector practices. The national calendar is set by decree, so the calendar for a particular year is the place to check the official listing.[1][2]
The Government’s calendar decree describes paid, non-recoverable holidays for workers in specified sectors, including construction, industry, offices, banks, transport and distribution, and services not directly related to tourism. It also says that in tourism-related sectors the holidays may be moved by agreement, except for four named holidays; the Assumption is not among those exceptions. The date is 15 August, and the official calendar lists no substitute day.[1]
What visitors can expect
The Assumption is not among the four dates on which Andorran commercial rules require shops to close: 1 January, 14 March, 8 September and 25 December. Shops may set their own opening hours within the general rules, and the Government notes that the rules permitting opening do not require a business to open. Check individual shop hours before travelling.[4]
A paid holiday in the labour calendar does not establish that every office, bank, attraction or transport service will close. Check opening hours with the relevant office, bank, venue or operator before you go.[1][2]
Assumption in Andorra: common questions
When is the Assumption in Andorra?
It is listed on 15 August in Andorra’s labour calendar.[1]
Is it a paid day off?
Is there a substitute day if 15 August falls on a weekend?
The official calendar lists no substitute day. Check the relevant annual calendar for the official listing.[1]
Must shops close?
No general compulsory closure for the Assumption is listed in the Government’s commercial-hours rules. Shops set their own hours within those rules, so check directly with the business.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Assumption in Andorra:
- S’aprova el calendari laboral per al 2026- Govern d’Andorra
- Llei 31/2018, del 6 de desembre, de relacions laborals (Text refós sense caràcter oficial)- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra
- L’aplec de la Mare de Déu de Meritxell- Govern d’Andorra
- Horaris comercials- Govern d’Andorra
- Munificentissimus Deus (November 1, 1950)- The Holy See