Most employees do not work on public holidays, and schools, shops and offices are closed. Germany has numerous Christian and secular holidays. Jesus Christ's birth is celebrated at Christmas. At Easter, people commemorate Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday. Two days later they celebrate his resurrection. In Saxony-Anhalt and several other federal states, Reformation Day on 31 October is also a public holiday. On this day, people celebrate the reformation of the church.
On 01 May is Labour Day. The German national holiday is the "Day of German Unity" on 03 October. This holiday reminds on the reunification of the two separated German states.
Many local festivals are also held in Dessau-Roßlau. Important festivals are, for example, the Leopoldsfest in the inner city and Heimat- und Schifferfest (Skippers' Festival ) in Roßlau. The Leopold Festival in the city centre of Dessau reminds of Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau. Events of this festival are the military-historical camp, the historical market and the fairground with many rides. The Home and Skippers' Festival is held in Roßlau. This festival includes, for example, a parade, a Middle Ages market and several dancing and music events. Information on further festivals and city quarter parties can be found on the tourism portal of the Tourismusportal der Stadt Dessau-Roßlau Tourismusportal der Stadt Dessau-Roßlau (Municipality of Dessau-Roßlau).