Easter 2026 date, lent, and significance
Discover the significance of Easter 2026 date and Lent observance, based on lunar cycles and ecclesiastical calculations.
Easter never lands on the same date two years in a row. It can shift by more than a month, reshaping the entire spring calendar.
Wondering if it’s late or early this year? Here’s what to know about why it moves and which spring holidays are coming up.
Christmas always falls on Dec. 25, but some religious holidays aren’t tied to one date. Movable feasts change every year. Some depend on which denomination is celebrating.
The first day of spring has come and gone.
We’re almost done with the 40 days of Lent right now. Holy Week will be here soon, followed by Easter.
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming Christian holidays. Plan photos, egg dying and family meals around your spring calendar now.
When does Lent start and end in 2026?
Lent began on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. It’s a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and contemplation.
The last day of Lent varies by denomination. Some end it on Holy Saturday. Others, like Roman Catholics, end the Lenten season at sundown on Maundy Thursday (also called Holy Thursday).
Those dates are Thursday, April 2, or Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Why can’t I eat meat on Fridays during Lent?
The 40 days are meant to emulate Jesus’ time of temptation in the desert.
During Lent, many Christians avoid meat on Fridays and on Ash Wednesday. Some give up personal vices or habits (like eating sugar) and do extra prayers or service activities.
When was the spring equinox?
The spring or vernal equinox is the first day of spring. It was on March 20, 2026.
When is Easter in 2026?
Most Christians, including Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians, will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Is Easter early or late in 2026?
This year, Easter isn’t early or late. It can happen as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. The 2026 celebration falls almost in the middle of the range.
Why do people celebrate Easter?
Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth died by crucifixion on Good Friday. Easter is a Christian religious holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death.
Why does Easter’s date change every year?
On the Gregorian calendar, Easter is the Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox.
Why do some churches celebrate Easter, Lent on different days?
Most Christian churches use the Gregorian calendar. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the older Julian calendar. They celebrate on Sunday, April 12, this year.
Their dates for Lent accordingly run from Monday, Feb. 23, to Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The two calendars won’t match Easter dates again until 2028, according to Greek City Times.
Why do we celebrate with a chocolate bunny?
The chocolate bunny traces back to German Easter traditions and symbols of spring fertility.
The sweet origin of the chocolate Easter bunny
Discover the fascinating history of the chocolate Easter bunny, from its 17th-century German origins to its status as a global holiday staple.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday.
Holy Wednesday, also called Spy Wednesday, is just before the Triduum.
The Holy Week Triduum includes:
- Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Holy Saturday
When is Palm Sunday this year? What’s the meaning of the day?
Palm Sunday is on March 29, 2026.
All four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – describe Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey while a crowd met him, waving palm fronds.
Palm Sunday can include reading the Passion. It’s the story of Jesus’ last days and crucifixion.
When is Good Friday this year?
Good Friday marks the day Christians believe Jesus died on the cross. According to the Bible, he was sacrificed to pay for the sins of mankind and his body was later laid to rest in a nearby tomb.
The date is April 3, 2026.
Is Good Friday a federal or state holiday? Will I be off work?
No, Good Friday is not a federal holiday, per a calendar from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
It’s also not a state holiday in Mississippi. The next one is Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday in April, according to the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration.
Check with your workplace and your child’s school calendars to see if Good Friday will be a day off for you or your family.
Contributing: Chris Sims, Marina Johnson and John Tufts
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at [email protected].
