what is Wakes week?

Question

we were talking at work about how holidays(from work) came about someone said it started with Wakes Week--anybody now more details

Answer 1

I do not know the origins of wakes weeks, but they possibly had something to do with the church. I do know that especially in Lancashire they are Holiday weeks. My maternal grandfather and grandmother lived in Blackburn and they both worked in the cotton spinning and weaving factories or mills. Every year the last two weeks in July were the holiday times. Every factory in Blackburn closed down for those two weeks. Most of the workers went off to Blackpool, Morecambe or another seaside town for the annual holiday.Most of the mills have now closed( India and Pakistan were able to use cheaper labour, and took the trade away from the town) But I know that right up to the sixties when the mills were open, the whole town closed down for wakes weeks.

Answer 2

Same as Glasgow Fair fortnight, or the Edinburgh Trades holidays.

Answer 3

they were religious feasts that were celebrated for days. Like most holidays they are Holy Days at root. Wakes Week still takes place, I believe, in Lancashire.

Answer 4

wakey wakey