Jeûne genevois is a public holiday observed only in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It is a day of fasting and spiritual reflection, rooted in Protestant tradition, and is unique among Swiss holidays for its local and historical significance.

When is Jeûne genevois?

Jeûne genevois is observed on the Thursday following the first Sunday of September.

The following is the list of Jeûne genevois from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Jeûne genevois?

In the 16th century, Geneva became a center of the Reformation. During this time, it was common for Protestant city-states to declare days of prayer and fasting in response to crises.

The first recorded Jeûne genevois was declared in 1567. It was established as a response to the growing persecution of Protestants, particularly the Huguenots (French Protestants) in neighboring France.

The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in August 1572, in which thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris and across France, deeply affected Geneva. Geneva, which had become a safe haven for Huguenot refugees, declared a day of public mourning and fasting in their memory. This deepened the tradition of setting aside a special day in early September for repentance and solidarity.

Over the next centuries, Geneva continued to declare occasional fasts. By the 17th and 18th centuries, it became an annual event observed each September, particularly by Protestant churches and civic leaders.

In the 19th century, the Swiss Confederation introduced a Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer (Jeûne fédéral), held on the third Sunday of September.

While most cantons adopted this date, Geneva kept its own tradition, celebrating Jeûne genevois on the Thursday after the first Sunday in September.