Assumption of Mary Observance in United States

Friday, August 15, 2014 is the observance of Assumption of Mary. Catholic churches in the United States celebrate the feast of the Assumption to honor the Virgin Mary’s death and her rise into heaven on August 15 each year.

The Catholic and Orthodox Christians view the Assumption as the Virgin Mary’s heavenly birthday that is now observed as a Holy Day of Obligation – a day when some Christian denominations are obliged to attend mass.

Many Christians in the United States attend mass (church service) and have big feasts to celebrate Mary’s rise into heaven on Assumption Day. Although it is not celebrated as extravagantly as other countries, there are many states that have festivals with music, dancing, food vendors, artwork, parades and firework shows to celebrate this event.

One of the largest Assumption Day celebrations is in Cleveland, Ohio, where there is a four-day festival that starts on August 12. The festival celebrates the Feast of Assumption in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood.