Ascension Day in Burundi
Burundi’s 2021 holiday decree includes Ascension Day among the country’s public, non-working and paid holidays. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs classifies it as Catholic, and its date follows the Easter cycle.[1][2]
A public holiday in Burundian law
Burundi’s Decree No. 100/150 of 7 June 2021 sets out the list and regime of public holidays. It names the day of Ascension among holidays that are “fériés, chômés et payés”: public holidays, with work suspended and pay due under the decree.[1]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official holiday list also identifies “Ascent” as Catholic. Ascension follows Easter and has no fixed civil-calendar date.[2]
Religious meaning and changing date
For Christians, Ascension commemorates Jesus’ return to the Father after the Resurrection. The Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar places the feast on the fortieth day after Easter; because Easter’s date changes, Ascension’s date changes too.[3][4]
Ascension Day is a public holiday and a Catholic observance in Burundi. Check local sources for information about customs, foods, regional differences or public ceremonies. It would be misleading to assume that all Burundians observe it in the same way.[1][2]
Work, services and planning
Burundi’s 2023 ministerial ordinance says workers generally receive a 24-hour rest period on Sundays and public holidays, while allowing exceptions for specified activities. Its listed categories include hotels and restaurants, health services and pharmacies, transport and travel businesses, and food and general retail. Where the exception applies, the ordinance provides for compensatory rest.[5]
This means a public holiday does not by itself establish that every service will close. The ordinance permits some businesses and services to operate, but it does not provide opening hours for individual offices, banks, shops or transport operators. Check directly with the service you plan to use.[5]
Ascension Day in Burundi: common questions
Is Ascension Day a day off in Burundi?
When does Ascension Day fall?
Is there a substitute day if it falls on a rest day?
The decree lists the day of Ascension but states no substitute day. Check official notices for any special arrangement.[1]
What is open on Ascension Day?
Some listed activities, including health services, hotels and restaurants, transport and retail, may operate under exceptions in the work ordinance. Confirm hours and schedules with each provider.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Ascension Day in Burundi:
- DECRET NO 100/150 DU 07 JUIN 2021 PORTANT MODIFICATION DU DECRET NO 100/182 DU 17 JUILLET 2006 FIXANT LA LISTE ET LE REGIME DES JOURS FERIES- Présidence de la République du Burundi
- Official Holidays- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
- What is Easter?- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Article 6 He Ascended Into Heaven And Is Seated At The Right Hand Of The Father- The Holy See
- ORDONANCE MINISTERIELLE N°570/442 DU 19/04/2023 PORTANT REGLEMENTATION DU TRAVAIL DU JOUR DE REPOS HEBDOMADAIRE ET DES JOURS FERIES- Bulletin Officiel du Burundi