Why is May 17 a holiday in Colombia

According to what is stipulated in the official calendar of Colombia , next May 17 is the seventh holiday and fifth bridge of the year in our country. This day is one of the most important festivals in the church's liturgical calendar. Do you want to know what it is? Read on and find out below.

Why is May 17 a holiday in Colombia?

On Monday , May 17, one of the most important festivals for the liturgical calendar is celebrated throughout Colombia; holiday for which a mandatory holiday is declared throughout the national territory. It is about the Day of the Ascension of the Lord; religious commemoration that is celebrated in Colombia as a tradition for several decades.

The Day of the Ascension of the Lord is a feast in which, according to Catholicism, Jesus Christ ascends to heaven in physical form in the presence of his disciples. This happens 40 days after their resurrection, with the promise that the Holy Spirit will send them to always be with them.

Although the 40 days after Easter Sunday are completed a few days before, the holiday is moved to May 17 to comply with the provisions of Law 51 of 1983.

Ascension Day is celebrated in different countries around the world, however, Colombia is the only one in South America with this religious holiday. In Europe this day is celebrated as a working day and without the need to move to the following Monday.