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.
Former rule
What applied until 2016
From 1990 through 2016, Reformation Day was regularly a public holiday in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
- Period
- to
- In these years, the regular public-holiday rule applied only to the former eastern-state group.
- States
- BB, MV, SN, ST, TH
- The former regular rule covered Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
- Afterward
- 2017 / from 2018
- 2017 was a one-off nationwide case; from 2018 onward the current expansion applies.
Context
What changed
Former legal position, current state scope and practical planning effect.
Former state scope
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 special year
The 2017 Reformation anniversary needs separate treatment because it was neither the old regular rule nor the current regular rule.
Expansion in 2018
Since 2018, 31 October has been a public holiday in additional northern states. Current years therefore need the current article.
Planning consequence
For old team calendars, bridge days and shop planning, the former state scope matters. Border regions may have looked different from today.
Planning
Planning impact
How older calendar years should be interpreted.
1990-2016
Historical eastern-state rule.
For these years, the former state scope is the relevant context.
2017
Separate one-off year.
The Reformation anniversary is explained separately.
from 2018
Current nine-state rule.
The current Reformation Day article applies.
Current Reformation DayThe current page explains Reformation Day in today's nine public-holiday states and planning around All Saints' Day.
Reformation Day 2017Check the nationwide one-off year.
All Saints' DayCompare the following day and regional overlap.
Bridge-day plannerCompare autumn time-off blocks in the calendar.
Praxis
Frequently asked questions
Short answers on the historical classification.
Which states were covered until 2016?
Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
Why does 2017 have a separate page?
Because 2017 was a nationwide anniversary exception and does not fit the old or current regular rule.
Which page applies today?
For current years, use the regular Reformation Day page.
Sources and further reading
- Current Reformation Day page : current status in the nine public-holiday states.