Vigil of Assumption Day is celebrated on August 14th each year, preceding the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th. This holiday is an important day in the Catholic religion, celebrating the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. The Feast of the Assumption is the oldest of all the festivals of Mary and is celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation. In France, it heralds the end of the long period of summer holidays. Catholics around the world attend Mass and participate in various customs and traditions to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and celebrate this important holiday.