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Germans observe a religious holiday Thursday. It’s “Christi Himmelfahrt” or Ascension Day. The Bible says Christ’s ascent into heaven took place on the 40th day after Easter. That’s why it always is on a Thursday. First, Christians celebrated the fest together with Pentecost. Later, in the fourth century, it was observed as a holiday of its own.
Besides celebrating the church fest, Germans also recognize Father’s Day on Ascension Day. Today, the holiday is an additional day when families can do something together such as bike trips, hikes or barbecues.
For years, it was customary for young and old men, fathers and non-fathers, to meet and have fun together. They left for long walks, and to quench their thirst, they took along a decorated hand-cart filled with beer cases or kegs.
Partially, the origin of the day of men dates back to the German forefathers, who, in spring, walked through their fields and asked the gods for a fertile year. Afterward they had a drink together.
Since Ascension Day is an official holiday in Germany, communities celebrate several fests.
Family day celebrations are at the garden fair in Kaiserslautern, on the festgrounds in Mehlingen and near Bismarckturm in Landstuhl.
Grill fests take place on the sports field in Oberarnbach, the fest grounds in Hauptstuhl, at the fire station in Olsbrücken and on the barbecue grounds in Mehlbach.
A bicycle adventure days starts at 11 a.m. near the fire station in Miesau. Other car-free events are between Münchweiler and Alsenz, and between Glanmünchweiler and Waldmohr.
