Marian Feasts 2026 – which celebrations do we observe on 15 August?
Marian Feasts 2026 include celebrations, feasts and memorials dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and one of the most important days in the Polish liturgical calendar is 15 August. On this day, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known in Polish tradition as the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs. This is a holy day of obligation, so the faithful are required to attend Mass.
In our workshop, we see how important a place Mary occupies in the life of Polish parishes, communities and shrines. Celebrations in honour of Our Lady usually have a particularly solemn setting. They are accompanied by processions, pilgrimages, the blessing of flowers and herbs, as well as carefully selected liturgical vestments.
In this article, we explain what the Marian feasts are, which of them fall in August and what significance is attached to the solemnity celebrated on 15 August. We also suggest which Marian chasubles and liturgical textiles can emphasise the character of the celebration.
Marian Feasts 2026 – the key dates throughout the year
The Marian feasts throughout the year recall the most important events connected with Mary’s life and her place in salvation history. They do not all have the same liturgical rank. Some are solemnities, others feasts or memorials.
The most important Marian celebrations in 2026 include:
- 1 January – the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God,
- 11 February – the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes,
- 25 March – the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord,
- 2 May – the Solemnity of Our Lady, Queen of Poland,
- 16 July – the Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
- 15 August – the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
- 22 August – the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
- 26 August – the Solemnity of Our Lady of Częstochowa,
- 8 September – the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
- 15 September – the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows,
- 7 October – the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary,
- 8 December – the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The calendar shows that Marian devotion is not limited to one month. In Polish tradition, May, August and October have a particularly Marian character. May is associated with the Litany of Loreto, August with pilgrimages and the Assumption, and October with praying the Rosary.
More information about the seasons and celebrations of the Church year can be found in our guide:
Marian Feasts in August – what do we celebrate?
Marian feasts in August have a special significance in Poland. August is a month of pilgrimages, indulgences and celebrations held at Marian shrines. The most important dates are 15, 22 and 26 August.
15 August – the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important Catholic feasts. The Church professes that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven.
In Polish tradition, 15 August is also known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs. The faithful bring bouquets of flowers, herbs, grain, fruit and vegetables to churches. The blessing of the gifts of the earth expresses gratitude to God for the harvest and a request for his blessing.
The solemnity celebrated on 15 August is a holy day of obligation. This means that the faithful are obliged to attend Mass and refrain from work that makes it difficult to worship God, experience the joy of the feast and take the necessary rest.
22 August – the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen
A week after the Solemnity of the Assumption, the Church commemorates Mary as Queen. The feast emphasises her special dignity and closeness to Christ the King.
The motif of a crown often appears in liturgical embroidery. It can be combined with Mary’s monogram, stars, lilies or a stylised letter “M”.
26 August – Our Lady of Częstochowa
The Solemnity of Our Lady of Częstochowa has a special significance for the Church in Poland. It is associated with the icon of Our Lady kept at Jasna Góra, one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Our Lady of Częstochowa is venerated as the Queen of Poland and protector of the nation. In many parishes, solemn Masses, devotions and processions are organised on 26 August.
15 August and Polish Marian devotion
Polish Marian devotion developed over many centuries. Mary is invoked as the Mother of God, Queen of Poland, Mother of Mercy, Comforter of the Afflicted and Help of Christians. Her images can be found in churches, roadside shrines and homes.
Pilgrimages are a particularly important expression of devotion. In August, thousands of people set off on foot for Jasna Góra to take part in the celebrations of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For many pilgrims, the journey becomes a time of prayer, penance, gratitude and spiritual discernment.
Mary is not worshipped as a goddess. In Catholic teaching, the veneration given to Mary differs from the adoration owed exclusively to God. The faithful ask for her intercession and seek to imitate her faith, humility and willingness to fulfil God’s will.
Well-known forms of devotion also include Marian prayers:
- Hail Mary,
- We Fly to Your Patronage,
- The Angelus,
- the Rosary,
- the Litany of Loreto,
- the Jasna Góra Appeal,
- the Little Office of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
information from the Polish Bishops’ Conference about the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
the Church’s teaching on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Marian Devotions in the Parish
Marian devotions may be held throughout the year, although their character depends on the liturgical season and local tradition. In May, May devotions with the Litany of Loreto are popular, while in October the faithful gather for communal prayer of the Rosary.
In August, devotions often accompany pilgrimages, indulgences and celebrations in honour of the parish’s patron saint. They may include a procession with a statue or image of Our Lady, the singing of the Litany, the Rosary, the Jasna Góra Appeal or a solemn blessing.
It is important for the setting of the devotion to be harmonious and subordinate to the liturgy. Decorations, flowers, banners and sacred textiles should aid prayer rather than distract attention from the altar.
Properly made banners and accessories can be helpful when organising a procession:
Liturgical banners and accessories
Marian Chasubles for the Marian Feasts 2026
Marian chasubles are intended for the celebration of Masses in honour of Our Lady. They are most often made in white, ecru or cream, with blue decorative elements. White is the liturgical colour of joy, light and glory, while blue is traditionally associated with Mary.
A blue chasuble is not, however, a universal liturgical colour that may be used freely in all countries. In practice, a white chasuble decorated with blue embroidery or decorative fabric is more common
What symbols appear on embroidered Marian chasubles?
Embroidered Marian chasubles may feature:
- a Marian monogram,
- a crown,
- twelve stars,
- a lily,
- a rose,
- the Heart of Mary,
- an image of Our Lady,
- a rosary motif,
- a Jasna Góra motif.
The symbol should be chosen to suit the character of the celebration. For 15 August, motifs referring to Mary’s glory, the crown, stars and the Assumption are appropriate. For 26 August, embroidery referring to the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa is often chosen.
In our workshop in Wrocław, we have been making liturgical vestments since 1994, with attention to the clarity of the symbol, the proportions of the embroidery and the celebrant’s comfort. We send products to parishes, religious orders and shrines throughout Poland and Europe.
Liturgical embroidery – symbolism and aesthetics
Marian Stoles and Preparing the Liturgical Setting
A Marian stole can complement vestments used during devotions, processions, blessings and celebrations connected with Our Lady. Like a chasuble, it may feature Mary’s monogram, a lily, stars, a crown or a rosary motif.
When preparing the celebration on 15 August, it is worth checking the condition of all vestments and textiles well in advance. The chasuble should be clean, stored correctly and free of creases. You should also prepare the stole, alb, altar cloth, purificators and other linens, as well as items used during the procession.
For vestments decorated with embroidery, do not use unsuitable washing methods or iron intensively immediately after decoration. Safe storage and cleaning help preserve the shape of the fabric, the colour of the thread and the clarity of Marian symbols.
How to care for liturgical vestments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Marian feasts?
The Marian feasts are solemnities, feasts and memorials connected with the Blessed Virgin Mary. The most important include Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the Assumption, the Nativity of Mary, the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady, Queen of Poland.
Which Marian feasts fall in August?
The most important Marian feasts in August are the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 15 August, the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 22 August and the Solemnity of Our Lady of Częstochowa on 26 August.
What do we celebrate on 15 August?
On 15 August, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Poland, this day is also known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs and is associated with the tradition of blessing herbs, flowers and crops.
Do you have to go to church on 15 August?
Yes. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holy day of obligation. Catholics are required to attend Mass on this day.
How does a Marian chasuble differ from other chasubles?
A Marian chasuble is distinguished by symbols associated with Our Lady, such as Mary’s monogram, a crown, a lily, stars or a rosary. It is usually white or ecru and decorated with blue embroidery.
When is a Marian chasuble worn?
A Marian chasuble can be worn during Masses in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Marian indulgences and celebrations such as the Assumption or the Feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa. Its base colour should comply with liturgical regulations.
How much does a Marian chasuble cost?
The price of a Marian chasuble depends on the type of fabric, cut, size of the embroidery and finishing method. More elaborate embroidered Marian chasubles are usually more expensive than models with a simple appliqué.
Where can you buy embroidered Marian chasubles?
It is worth buying Marian chasubles directly from a manufacturer of liturgical vestments who understands the principles of the liturgy and the symbolism of embroidery. Urbanowicz Haft has been producing liturgical vestments in Wrocław since 1994 and sends them to customers throughout Poland and Europe.
Summary
The Marian feasts in 2026 remind us of Mary’s role in salvation history and the life of the Church. 15 August—the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—has particular significance. A suitably chosen chasuble, stole and altar textiles help create a fitting setting for this celebration.