My German niece has just reminded that German Father’s Day is only two days away (9 May  2013).  I had only thought of our upcoming trip to London, where we will spend part of the German Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May) at a Sri Lankan wedding.

Father’s Day in Germany is always celebrated on the religious holiday of Christi Himmelfahrt (Ascension Day), which is also the 40th day after Easter. Some relate to this holiday also as Männertag or Herrentag.

In 1936, Christi Himmelfahrt became a national holiday.

Here in Germany, this holiday is always on a Thursday, with schools closed on Fridays and families get to enjoy a four-day weekend.

There are quite a few get-togethers with only males roaming the countryside with lots of beer on board. Hence, Männertag oder Herrentag.

Father’s Day in Germany

Because of the increased alcohol consumption, this national holiday ranks #1 (yes, number one!) in alcohol-related accidents and fights. This information is from the German Statistical Office, also known as Statistisches Bundesamt (StBA).