The Danish Parliament approved the law proposal to remove the “Great Prayer Day” as a national holiday starting from 2024. The free day was on the fourth Friday after Easter.
- The government parties (social democrats, liberals and moderates) and Radikale Venstre (social liberals) have voted to remove the national holiday. The socialists, the conservatives, Liberal Alliance, Enhedslisten, Alternativet, and the three far-right parties have voted against.
- Why? To gather the money needed to finance the massive investments in the military.
- Last time a national holiday was abolished was 253 years ago. In 1770, nine public holidays were removed. Why? The state needed more money while business and agriculture needed more labor. The same reason as today.
- The national holiday was introduced in 1686 on the idea of bishop Hans Bagger. Since then we have the tradition to eat “varme hveder” on this day. Also many churches around the country are holding the “confirmations” of young people on this day.
- There are 10 public holidays in Denmark (top 1 in Europe with Germany and Malta) – New Years Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Day, 2nd Easter Day, Christ’s Ascension, Pentecost, 2nd Pentecost, Christmas Day and 2nd Christmas Day. Some businesses also recognize 1st of May (Labor Day), 5th of June (Constitution Day) and New Year’s and Christmas Eves’.
