Overview

• On May 29, which coincided with Christi Himmelfahrt, Germans observed Vatertag as a nationwide public holiday dating back to 1934.
• In former East Germany the celebration is also referred to as Herren- or Männertag, underscoring regional naming traditions.
• Groups of friends and families set out on countryside excursions towing bollerwagons loaded with beer as a signature ritual.
• Participants exchanged poems and a mix of sentimental, humorous and literary quotes from figures like Wilhelm Busch, Friedrich Schiller and Franz Grillparzer.
• Many celebrants sent personalised Vatertag greetings and quotes via Whatsapp and other messaging platforms to honour their fathers.