Why August 15 is a Special Day in France

On August 15, France celebrates the Assumption of Mary, one of the main Catholic holidays dedicated to the end of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary and her ascension to heaven. This day is an official public holiday.
This date gained special significance during the reign of Louis XIII. The king and Anne of Austria long awaited an heir. In 1638, Louis XIII dedicated France to the Virgin Mary and ordered that solemn processions be held every year on August 15. In September of the same year, Louis XIV was born, which was perceived as an answer to the royal family’s prayers.
Since the 17th century, August 15 has become one of the most solemnly celebrated dates. By the order of Louis XIII, processions in honor of the Virgin Mary are held annually. This tradition continues today: masses, pilgrimages, and processions take place throughout France. In coastal towns, there are maritime processions and blessings of sailors.
On August 15, 1769, Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica. Upon becoming emperor, he linked the holiday with his birthday and established Saint-Napoléon, which was also celebrated on August 15. In 1806, the first stone of the Arc de Triomphe was laid in Paris.
In 1852, under Napoleon III, August 15 became a national holiday again. Ceremonies, parades, festivities, and fireworks were held across the country. After the fall of the Second Empire, August 15 ceased to be celebrated as Saint-Napoléon, but Assomption remains an official public holiday.
August 15 is also a significant date for southern France. In 1944, the Allied landings in Provence began, Operation Dragoon, which became a key stage in the liberation of France. American troops and the French Armée B participated in the operation. Every year on August 15, ceremonies are held in Provence in memory of the Débarquement de Provence.
The traditions of celebrating August 15 have developed over the centuries. Since the 17th century, there have been religious processions, and during Napoleon’s time, state ceremonies and fireworks. Today, religious and civic events take place across France on August 15. The tradition of celebrating this day with fireworks has been preserved, especially on the Côte d’Azur.