Historical context for Reformation Day in the eastern German states until 2016, separated from the 2017 special year and the current rule.
From 1990 through 2016, Reformation Day was regularly a public holiday in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
In these years, the regular public-holiday rule applied only to the former eastern-state group.
The former regular rule covered Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
2017 was a one-off nationwide case; from 2018 onward the current expansion applies.
Former legal position, current state scope and practical planning effect.
Before 2017, Reformation Day was mainly relevant in eastern German states. Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein were not yet part of the regular public-holiday area.
The 2017 Reformation anniversary needs separate treatment because it was neither the old regular rule nor the current regular rule.
Since 2018, 31 October has been a public holiday in additional northern states. Current years therefore need the current article.
For old team calendars, bridge days and shop planning, the former state scope matters. Border regions may have looked different from today.
How older calendar years should be interpreted.
For these years, the former state scope is the relevant context.
The Reformation anniversary is explained separately.
The current Reformation Day article applies.
Current rule, planning tools and neighbouring dates.
From 1990 through 2016, Reformation Day applied to a smaller set of eastern states. This page keeps that historical scope separate from today's nine-state rule.
The current page explains Reformation Day in today's nine public-holiday states and planning around All Saints' Day.
Short answers on the historical classification.
Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
Because 2017 was a nationwide anniversary exception and does not fit the old or current regular rule.
For current years, use the regular Reformation Day page.
Open the right next step for leave planning, school breaks, calendar weeks, subscriptions or related event context.