Easter 2026 Falls Early: Key Dates for Holy Week and Lent Revealed
Easter 2026 is arriving earlier than many expect and for millions of Christians around the world, the countdown is already underway.
This year, Easter Sunday for most Western Christian denominations will be observed on April 5, 2026. That places it on the earlier side of the calendar and the reason comes down to a centuries-old formula. Easter is set as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. It is a calculation rooted in both astronomy and tradition and it means the date shifts every year.
The season of Lent began on February 18 with Ash Wednesday. That marked the start of a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and reflection. Lent is a solemn time for many believers. It mirrors the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert and it calls on Christians to focus on discipline, charity and spiritual renewal.
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Holy Week begins on March 29 with Palm Sunday. That day commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed him with palm branches. It is a moment of celebration, but it also signals the beginning of the most sacred and emotional week in the Christian calendar.
Maundy Thursday falls on April 2. It recalls the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Then comes Good Friday on April 3, a day of mourning and reflection that marks the crucifixion. Churches around the world will hold services, many observing fasting and quiet prayer.
And then comes Easter Sunday on April 5, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is considered the most important day in the Christian faith, symbolizing hope, renewal and victory over death. Families gather, churches fill and for many, Lent’s fasting comes to an end.
But there is also a global dimension to this story. While Western churches will celebrate on April 5, many Eastern Orthodox Christians will observe Easter, known as Pascha, on April 12, following a different calendar system. That difference highlights the diverse traditions within Christianity worldwide.
Why does this matter? Because Easter is more than a date. It shapes school holidays, public events, travel plans and religious observances across continents. It is a spiritual anchor for billions and an economic driver in many countries.
As the weeks move toward April, communities everywhere are preparing for reflection, remembrance and celebration. Stay with us for continuing coverage on the traditions, travel impacts and global observances surrounding Easter 2026.
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