As Belgium enjoys another extended weekend following Sunday’s religious observance, many are wondering: What exactly is Whit Monday, and why do most people have the day off today?
Understanding Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a public holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost Sunday — a significant Christian feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. This event is regarded as the birth of the Christian Church.
Pentecost Sunday falls on the 50th day after Easter, causing the date to vary each year. Whit Monday is observed in several countries, including Belgium, as a public bank holiday.
In Christian tradition, Pentecost is associated with the colour red, symbolising the “tongues of fire” described in the Bible. Churches are decorated in red, and clergy don red robes in honour of this solemn occasion. According to the Catholic Church of Belgium, Pentecost marks the moment when Christians “reap the fruits of Easter.”
How Belgium Celebrates
On Pentecost Sunday, many Catholics, Protestants, and Lutherans attend special church services focused on the Holy Spirit. Baptism ceremonies often take place during these services.
In the Walloon town of Gerpinnes, near Charleroi, Whit Monday is celebrated with the historic ‘Tour Sainte-Rolende’ procession. Dating back to at least 1413, this centuries-old tradition draws large crowds of pilgrims and spectators. Participants dressed in Napoleonic-era costumes gather early in the morning at the central church before embarking on a nearly 40-kilometre walk around town to honour Sainte Rolende de Gerpinnes. The procession concludes in the evening after a full day of reverence.
What Is Open on Whit Monday?
As Whit Monday is a national bank holiday in Belgium, most public offices, shops, and banks remain closed.
Banks will be closed physically but remain accessible digitally. According to the Belgian Federation of the Financial Sector (Febelfin), online and mobile banking services, including card payments, continue to operate as usual.
Most government offices, municipal administration buildings, and Bpost postal services will be closed. While regular mail delivery resumes Tuesday, some postal counters within convenience stores may be open.
Medical services will be limited. Most general practitioners will not be available; however, on-call doctors can be reached by dialing 1733 for non-urgent medical assistance. Hospitals will remain fully operational.
Pharmacies will mostly be closed, but at least one local pharmacy will be on duty — details can be found through local listings.
Retail and supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Cora, Makro, Okay, and Colruyt will remain closed. Grocery stores that normally operate on Sundays and holidays, including select Carrefour, Delhaize, Intermarché, and Spar outlets, are expected to open with Sunday hours. Checking individual store websites is recommended.
Many bars, cafés, and restaurants are likely open but it is advisable to verify their opening status via social media or official websites.
Rubbish collection services will continue as usual, according to Brussels Cleanliness.
Public Transport on Whit Monday
Public transportation services will operate on Sunday schedules throughout the holiday. In Brussels, STIB/MIVB will follow the traditional Sunday timetable.
SNCB/NMBS trains will also run on weekend schedules. The SNCB/NMBS Weekend ticket, which offers up to 50% discount on travel from Friday evening to Sunday, will be valid through Monday for this extended weekend. More details are available on the SNCB/NMBS website.
De Lijn (Flanders) and TEC (Wallonia) will likewise operate on Sunday timetables. Normal weekday schedules will resume from Tuesday.
