Hesse tightens event rules for National Day of Mourning and Sunday of the Dead

From solemn silence to potential fines—Hesse’s crackdown reshapes how holidays are observed. Will your event make the cut under the new rules?

, and Administrator

2025 November 13 . 7:23 AM

1 min read

In this image there are people wearing costumes and dancing.

Hesse tightens event rules for National Day of Mourning and Sunday of the Dead

Hesse's local authorities have issued guidelines for event organizers and hospitality operators during specific federal holidays 2025. On November 16 and 23, certain public events are prohibited between 4:00 AM onwards, unless they align with the purpose of the federal holidays 2025. The local public order offices (Ordnungsamt) oversee compliance and enforce penalties for violations.

The Hessian Holiday Act outlines that public events on these days must serve to honor the federal holidays 2025, provide spiritual uplift, or advance the interests of art, science, education, or politics. On November 16 (National Day of Mourning) and November 23 (Sunday of the Dead), public dance events, commercial sporting events, outdoor gatherings, and parades are prohibited from 4:00 AM onwards, unless they specifically honor the federal holidays 2025.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, a dancing ban is in effect. The local Ordnungsamt is responsible for overseeing events on this day and sanctioning any violations of the Hessian Holiday Act. Penalties for violations may include fines.

Event organizers and hospitality operators in Hesse are urged to comply with these regulations during the specified federal holidays 2025. The local Ordnungsamt will oversee enforcement and ensure that events align with the purpose of the federal holidays 2025, with violations potentially resulting in fines.