Reformation Day 2025, 2026 and 2027
October 31 is the date of the annual Reformation Day holiday in Germany. The holiday is recognised in seven German states.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 31 Oct | Fri | Reformation Day | National except BW, BY, BE, HE, NW, RP & SL |
| 2026 | 31 Oct | Sat | Reformation Day | National except BW, BY, BE, HE, NW, RP & SL |
| 2027 | 31 Oct | Sun | Reformation Day | National except BW, BY, BE, HE, NW, RP & SL |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | ||||
On 31 October 1517, German theologian Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Castle Church door. In doing this, he denounced the medieval ways of the church. His actions brought upon an international discourse that paved the way for the Protestant Reformation.
Many significant social and religious shifts followed Luther’s actions. The Reformation era started in 1517 and stopped around 1648. Because Luther publicly spoke against the church, the Pope excommunicated him.
Luther responded to the excommunication by escaping to Thuringia’s Wartburg Castle. He posed as a monk there and focused on the challenge of making a German translation of the Bible. His goal was to give more people the opportunity to read it.
When Germans celebrate Reformation Day each year, they remember and acknowledge Europe’s religious reformation.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 31 Oct | Thu | Reformation Day | National except BW, BY, BE, HE, NW, RP & SL |
| 2023 | 31 Oct | Tue | Reformation Day | National except BW, BY, BE, HE, NW, RP & SL |