Saints Peter and Paul

The next dates

• 2026Monday, 29 June
• 2027Tuesday, 29 June
• 2028Thursday, 29 June

In which cantons is Saints Peter and Paul a holiday?

• 1cantoncantonal rest day
• 25cantonsnot a holiday

Origin

On 29 June, the Church commemorates the apostles Peter and Paul. According to tradition, both died as martyrs in Rome: Peter was crucified around the year 64 in the Circus of Nero, upside down according to legend, and Paul was beheaded around 67. The common date probably goes back to 29 June 258, when, according to tradition, their remains were taken to safety from an impending desecration. Since then, the two apostles have been venerated together. In popular belief, Peter is also in charge of the weather: he “makes” the weather.

Sources: martinus.at: Petrus und Paulus

What the three types mean

Public holiday

Treated like a Sunday (Art. 20a Labour Act). Employees have the day off.

Cantonal rest day

Public rest day under cantonal law, e.g. shops are closed. Under employment law it is a working day.

Customary day off

Not a public holiday, but many employers give the day off. Your employment contract decides whether you are off.