Great Prayer Day
Nationwide public holiday in Denmark · Store bededag Religious
Dates
| Year | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Friday 5 May 2023 | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Denmark.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 5 May – Sun 7 May is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed. Show on the calendar →
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in København around 5 May: high 13°C (55°F), low 6°C (42°F), rain on 24% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around København. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 5 May in København: (MET Norway)
About Great Prayer Day
Great Prayer Day was a Danish public holiday held on the fourth Friday after Easter, created in the late 17th century to combine several minor days of prayer into a single one. The Danish Parliament abolished it as a public holiday from 2024 onwards.
Traditions
Traditionally people ate warm wheat buns known as hveder on the evening before, and in Copenhagen strolling along the old city ramparts was a popular custom. Many confirmations were also held around this day.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
What else is celebrated around the world on 5 May →
Coming up next in Denmark
Thursday, 18 May 2023
Great Prayer Day in other countries
More for Denmark
All public holidays in Denmark by year:
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.
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