The Day after Federal Fast is a public holiday celebrated exclusively in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, and its history is closely linked to the evolution of the Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer, a Swiss national observance rooted in religious and historical traditions.

When is Day after Federal Fast?

Day after Federal Fast falls on the Monday following the third Sunday in September.

The following is the list of Day after Federal Fast from 2020 to 2039.

The History of Day after Federal Fast?

The Federal Fast Day itself dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Swiss cantons, especially the Protestant ones, began observing days of prayer and repentance in response to wars, plagues, and political tensions.

Over time, this day became a unifying national observance, particularly after the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848 recognized it as a federal commemorative day, falling on the third Sunday in September.

In the canton of Vaud, a Reformed (Protestant) stronghold, the Fast Day had deep cultural and religious importance. However, as society secularized, the solemn nature of Sunday observance gave way to more social and familial gatherings on the Monday after.

By tradition, the Monday following the Federal Fast Day gradually became a day for rest, family outings, and community events.

While not a federal public holiday, Vaud formally recognized it as a cantonal holiday, giving workers and students the day off. This was a way to extend the observance and give people time to reflect and reconnect.