Day of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows

The Day of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, celebrated on **September 15**, is a significant religious holiday in Slovakia. It honors the Virgin Mary and her seven sorrows, which are events from her life that symbolize her deep suffering and compassion. This day is particularly important in the town of **Šaštín-Stráže**, home to the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, a major pilgrimage site. On this day, Slovaks attend special church services, processions, and prayers to honor Mary's devotion and seek her intercession. Many pilgrims travel to Šaštín-Stráže to visit the basilica, which houses a revered statue of the Virgin Mary. The holiday is a time for reflection, faith, and community, blending religious traditions with cultural heritage. It is also a public holiday in Slovakia, allowing people to fully participate in the observances.