Spring festival in Coesfeld: Sunday that is open for sales attracts with sunshine!

Spring festival in Coesfeld: Sunday that is open for sales attracts with sunshine!

On April 6, 2025, the city of Coesfeld expects a special rush of visitors, because on this day the recurring Sunday open to sales takes place as part of the spring festival. The shops will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for citizens and guests to explore the city and to get in the mood for the upcoming spring.

Another date in the calendar is October 26, 2025 if a Sunday open Sunday is to be held on the occasion of the Ursula Sunday. These special events are part of the regulations on the shopping law, which applies to North Rhine-Westphalia and allows sales to be made on a maximum of four Sundays a year. Exceptions are not permitted on public holidays such as Christmas, Easter or Pentecost to protect Sunday as a day off for the population and to maintain traditional Sunday rest.

historical classification of the open Sunday

Historically, Sunday has an eventful history in German trade. In the 19th century, business opened on all days of the week, but with the introduction of general Sunday rest in 1919, a fundamental law was created that is still in force today. The Weimar constitution and the Basic Law reaffirm Sunday as a day of rest and emotional relaxation. However, these regulations have been adapted and specified several times in order to take into account the changing lifestyle and the needs of society.

The shop closing law, which has been in force since October 1, 1900, regulates the times when sales outlets must be closed. In Germany, shops are allowed to open four Sundays a year. The exact regulations for the Sunday opening are subject to the decisions of the individual federal states. Therefore, the number of Sundays that are permitted nationwide varies, and many federal states have created additional regulations.

regulations for Sunday work

The legal provisions on Sunday opening also have an impact on employees in sales outlets. You may only work on Sundays and public holidays during the approved opening times. According to the requirements of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, they may be employed, but have claims for free time towards their employers.

For example, employees who are employed on Sundays and public holidays must be subject to certain restrictions. For example, you can work for a maximum of eight hours on a Sunday and there are regulations for exemption with a long time of employment. Minor workers and pregnant women are excluded from certain work on Sundays. These protective measures were introduced to maintain the rights of the employees and to promote their health, which is repeatedly discussed in the public discussion.

compare the German regulation for Sunday opening with other European countries, a colorful picture is shown. In Spain, shops are allowed to open every Sunday in December and on the first Sunday of a month, while Austria largely practices a general sales stop on Sundays and public holidays. France allows five open Sundays a year, with larger cities being able to determine additional Saturdays.

The planned event in Coesfeld is not only in a local context, but is part of a broader debate about the compatibility of business, tradition and the needs of society. The anticipation for a sunny Sunday with clear and pleasant weather conditions of around 10 ° C should help to ensure that Sunday is a complete success.