Easter 2026 Dates revealed: When are Good Friday, Palm Sunday and Lent this Year?

As spring approaches, Christians around the world are preparing to observe Easter 2026, one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar. With the festival being a movable feast, many are asking: When is Easter 2026 and what are the key dates leading up to it?

Here is a detailed look at the dates for Easter 2026, including Good Friday, Palm Sunday and the season of Lent.

When is Easter 2026?

In Easter 2026, Easter Sunday will be observed on April 5, 2026. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered the holiest occasion in Christianity.


Unlike fixed holidays, Easter does not fall on the same date each year. It always occurs on a Sunday but can range between March 22 and April 25, depending on astronomical calculations.

Why Easter Date Changes Every Year

The date of Easter 2026 is determined using a combination of solar and lunar calendars. Specifically, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox.

In 2026, the spring equinox falls on March 20, followed by a full moon on April 1. This places Easter Sunday on April 5.

This system explains why Easter shifts each year, often causing confusion about associated observances.

Key Dates for the Easter Season 2026

Since Easter is a movable feast, all related observances shift accordingly. Here are the important dates linked to Easter 2026:

Lent 2026

The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This 40-day period is marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection, leading up to Easter.

Lent concludes on April 2, 2026 (Holy Thursday).

Palm Sunday 2026

Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, will be observed on March 29, 2026. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.

Good Friday 2026

Good Friday, observed on April 3, 2026, remembers the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of mourning and reflection for Christians worldwide.

Easter Sunday 2026

Finally, Easter 2026 will be celebrated on April 5, 2026, marking the resurrection and the culmination of Holy Week.

Easter Dates in Coming Years

For comparison, Easter will fall on:

• March 28, 2027 (earlier in the calendar)
  
• April 16, 2028 (later again)
  

This variation highlights the unique calculation method behind Easter each year.

Significance of Easter in Christianity

Beyond dates, Easter 2026 carries deep spiritual meaning. It symbolises hope, renewal and victory over death, forming the cornerstone of Christian belief.

The period leading up to Easter, from Lent to Holy Week, provides an opportunity for reflection, repentance and spiritual preparation.

FAQs

When is Easter 2026?

Easter 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

When is Good Friday 2026?

Good Friday will fall on April 3, 2026.