Christian Holiday
What is Whit Monday?
The day after Pentecost — a public holiday in much of continental Europe.
In other languages: Lunes de Pentecostésإثنين العنصرة圣灵降临节星期一Lundi de PentecôtePfingstmontagSegunda-feira de Pentecostes聖霊降臨祭の月曜日Духов деньव्हिट सोमवार
42
Countries
May 25
2026
May 17
2027
Days until Whit Monday 2027
days until Whit Monday
hours
minutes
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History & Origins
Whit Monday, also called Pentecost Monday, falls on the day after Pentecost Sunday — fifty days after Easter. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek for "fiftieth day".
The name "Whit Sunday" (White Sunday) for Pentecost is an English tradition linked to the white garments worn by those baptised on that day. Whit Monday extended the celebration by one day and became a popular feast day across medieval Europe, associated with fairs, sports, and outdoor gatherings.
Whit Monday remains a public holiday in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, and several other countries. It was abolished as a statutory holiday in the UK in 1971 and replaced by the late May bank holiday. The date falls between 11 May and 14 June depending on the year.
When is Whit Monday?
Which countries observe Whit Monday?
42 countries- Germany05/24
- Netherlands05/24
- Austria05/24
- Sweden05/24
- Norway05/24
- Denmark05/24
- Finland05/24
- Poland05/24
- Hungary05/24
- Slovenia05/24
- Latvia05/24
- Estonia05/24
- Iceland05/24
- Liechtenstein05/24
- France05/25
- Italy05/25
- Belgium05/25
- Switzerland05/25
- Luxembourg05/25
- Andorra05/25
- Monaco05/25
- Antigua and Barbuda05/25
- Barbados05/25
- Bahamas05/25
- Dominica05/25
- Grenada05/25
- Saint Kitts and Nevis05/25
- Saint Lucia05/25
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines05/25
- Solomon Islands05/25
- Benin05/25
- Central African Republic05/25
- Republic of Congo05/25
- Cote d'Ivoire05/25
- Gabon05/25
- Madagascar05/25
- Senegal05/25
- Togo05/25
- Romania05/31
- Greece05/31
- Ukraine05/31
- Cyprus05/31
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Whit Monday?
- Whit Monday, also called Pentecost Monday, falls on the day after Pentecost Sunday — fifty days after Easter. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek for "fiftieth day".
- When is Whit Monday in 2026?
- Whit Monday falls on Monday, May 25, 2026 in most countries that observe it.
- When is Whit Monday in 2027?
- Whit Monday falls on Monday, May 17, 2027 in most countries that observe it.
- How many countries observe Whit Monday?
- Whit Monday is observed as a public holiday in 42 countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Norway.
- Is Whit Monday a public holiday?
- Yes — Whit Monday is recognised as a public holiday in 42 countries. Observance rules, names, and exact dates may differ by country.