Pentecost in Slovenia
In Slovenia, Pentecost is called Binkošti and is one of the country’s work-free days. The Catholic Church observes it 50 days after Easter as the feast of the coming of the Holy Spirit.[1][2]
A work-free day under Slovenian law
Slovenia’s government lists Whit Sunday among “Other work-free days,” separate from its list of national holidays. The law names binkoštna nedelja (Pentecost Sunday) as a work-free day in Slovenia.[1][2]
The law also says a public holiday or work-free day that falls on a Sunday is not transferred to the next working day. Since Pentecost is observed on Sunday, there is no substitute Monday under this rule.[2]
Date and religious meaning
Pentecost falls 50 days after Easter. Its date therefore changes from year to year, but it is always observed on a Sunday in Slovenia.[2]
For the Catholic Church, Pentecost marks the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ gathered disciples and Mary, as described in the Bible. The Slovenian Bishops’ Conference describes the feast as the close of the Easter season in the Catholic liturgical year.[3]
How the Catholic Church observes it
The Catholic Church in Slovenia identifies the feast by the Slovenian name Binkošti. In Catholic churches, the Easter candle is moved from the altar area to the baptismal font after Pentecost, and clergy and other liturgical ministers wear green vestments during services.[3]
The Catholic Church in Slovenia describes Pentecost as the feast’s religious meaning and liturgical practices.[3]
Planning around the day
The work-free status means Pentecost is recognized in law as a day away from work, while the statutory rule allows work to continue where a work process cannot stop or the nature of the work requires it.[2] Shops, museums, and transport services set their own hours, so check with them before making plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pentecost a public holiday in Slovenia?
What is Pentecost called in Slovenia?
When does Pentecost fall?
Is the following Monday also a day off?
No substitute Monday is provided by the rule: a work-free day that falls on Sunday is not transferred to the next working day.[2]
Are shops, museums, and transport services open?
Shops, museums, and transport services set their own hours, so check with them before making plans.
Sources and references
Sources used for Pentecost in Slovenia:
- National holidays and other work-free days- Government of the Republic of Slovenia
- Zakon o praznikih in dela prostih dnevih v Republiki Sloveniji (uradno prečiščeno besedilo) (ZPDPD-UPB1)- Uradni list Republike Slovenije
- Slovesni praznik binkošti- Catholic Church in Slovenia, Slovenian Bishops’ Conference