Start Planning
Pentecost
Svalbard

Pentecost 2025, 2026 and 2027 in Svalbard

Pentecost is a major Christian observance in Svalbard that takes place on the fiftieth day of Easter — 49 days after Easter Sunday. It is also known as Whit Sunday, and is celebrated with Whit Sunday and Whit Monday public holidays each year.

YearDateDayHoliday
20258 JunSunWhit Sunday
9 JunMonWhit Monday
202624 MaySunWhit Sunday
25 MayMonWhit Monday
202716 MaySunWhit Sunday
17 MayMonWhit Monday
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Pentecost is the final celebration of the seven-week Easter period. According to Christian belief, Pentecost commemorates the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and disciples of Jesus, giving them the ability to speak in different languages to share the good news about Jesus.

The name “Whit” Sunday and Monday comes from the white clothes traditionally worn by those being baptised on this popular day for baptisms.

Svalbard has mostly the same holiday calendar as Norway. This includes an array of “Eastertide” holidays. On the repertoire is Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and Whit Monday.

Pentecost comes seven weeks after Easter and falls on a Sunday. The following Monday is also a holiday to ensure a long weekend. As Pentecost lands near the beginning of summer, it is traditional to get outside during the long weekend and enjoy the newly improved weather conditions.

Most businesses close down for Whit Monday, though not all do this. And most people get the day off work. It is typical to attend church services, spend time with family and friends, and go out for a walk or even a picnic. You may see children playing in the streets for the first time in months on or around Pentecost in Svalbard.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
202419 MaySunWhit Sunday
20 MayMonWhit Monday
202328 MaySunWhit Sunday
29 MayMonWhit Monday