Whit Monday 2025
Date: June 9, 2025 (Monday)
Country: Svalbard & Jan Mayen Public Holidays
Description
Whit Monday is a Christian holiday that follows Pentecost. It remembers the moment when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus followers. The name Whit comes from an old word for white, linked to church history.
The date changes each year because it depends on Easter. Whit Monday falls on the day after Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter Sunday. That makes it a movable public holiday in places that follow the Christian calendar.
In Svalbard and Jan Mayen Whit Monday is a public holiday. These territories are part of Norway, so they follow the same national holiday rules. Government offices and many services recognize the day as a holiday.
The day is significant because it marks the end of the main Easter season. For many people it is a time to reflect on faith and community. It connects local life to a long Christian tradition across Norway.
Traditions
In Svalbard and Jan Mayen people celebrate Whit Monday with small, friendly community events. In Longyearbyen and tiny settlements there are church services, choir singing and informal concerts. Neighbors gather for outdoor games, nature walks and sometimes short boat trips when weather allows. Children play, elders chat, and local volunteers organize simple performances and craft tables.
Food is shared among friends and families. Common dishes include smoked and cured salmon, fresh bread, stews or roasted lamb, waffles with jam and cream, and cakes served with strong coffee during a long fika. Rituals are low key: the Norwegian flag is flown, candles may be lit in churches, and people spend quiet moments together by the sea.
Travel Tips
Shops, visitor centers and some tours may be closed or have reduced hours in Longyearbyen. Flights and boats can run on a limited schedule. Check and book transport and accommodation early. Bring extra food and medicine in case stores are shut.
Jan Mayen has very limited access. If tours run they are small and guided only. Stay with a guide for hikes and wildlife viewing. Respect safety rules and keep distance from animals. Carry warm, waterproof clothing and a charged phone or satellite device for emergencies.