Christi Himmelfahrt (otherwise known as Vatertag) is a public holiday in Germany that celebrates the Ascension of Christ into heaven forty days after Easter. It usually takes place in late May or early June, and always on a Thursday. It is also Father’s Day in Germany, which of course is an excellent excuse for having a barbecue and drinking lots of beer!
In some regions of Germany, Vatertag is also known as Männertag (Men’s Day), because nearly all men – even those who are not fathers – join in the traditional activities. One very popular activity involves groups of men going out for “hikes”, accompanied by a bollerwagen (a small wooden hand cart) full of food, beer and other goodies. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, alcohol-related accidents multiply by three on this day!