Ascension Day 2025

Description

Ascension Day in St. Martin is a Christian holiday that remembers when Jesus went up into heaven forty days after he rose from the dead. People think about this event as part of the Easter story. It connects Easter with later Christian teachings.

The day always falls on a Thursday. Its exact date changes each year because it depends on the date of Easter. People calculate it by counting forty days from Easter Sunday to find the Ascension Thursday.

This holiday is important because it marks the end of the time when Jesus appeared on Earth after his resurrection. For many believers it confirms that Jesus returned to God and that his mission on Earth was complete. It also points forward to the promise that Jesus will come again one day.

In St. Martin the day is a time for reflection and community. It is treated as a meaningful moment in the church calendar and in public life because of its religious importance.

Traditions

On St. Martin people go to special church services with lively singing and bright clothing. Afterward small processions walk through neighborhoods. Families often carry flowers and light candles at home or at village shrines.

Music and dancing fill the streets. Steelpan, calypso, and local bands play while people clap and children run around. Community centers sometimes hold performances and craft stalls for everyone to enjoy.

Food brings families together. Big outdoor meals often feature grilled fish, lobster, rice, peas, fried plantains, and Johnny cakes. Neighbors share plates and set up picnic tables on lawns or at the beach.

Simple rituals include short blessings over the meal and timed moments of silence or prayer. People greet each other warmly and visit relatives to keep family ties strong.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks and government offices close on Ascension Day. Expect buses, ferries and taxis to run less often or get crowded. Plan trips early, book ferries or taxis in advance, and carry extra cash since some card machines may be offline.

Enjoy public gatherings by arriving early and staying in well lit, busy areas. Keep valuables secure, use sunscreen and water, and follow local safety rules. Reserve restaurants and tours ahead, and have a simple backup plan if transport is delayed.