Easter Monday: What is it? Where is it celebrated? Why is there a Bank Holiday in parts of UK?

In Wales, Northern Ireland, and England, people enjoy the second day off in four days, and the effect of Easter Monday is pretty straightforward. However, in Scotland, things are a bit different.

This year, Easter Monday will fall on April 18, one day after Easter Sunday. Easter Monday has also had different names, such as Smigus Dynagus in Polish, where people traditionally throw water at each other.

Easter Sunday sees the onset of Easter Monday, and both days are significant in Christianity. Jesus is said to have been resurrected after being crucified on Good Friday. He stayed on Earth for 40 days and nights to prove to his followers that he was alive.


People believe that during these 40 days, Jesus spread the word of God and appeared to his followers. Once the 40 days were over, he ascended to heaven. Interestingly, the Bible does not specifically talk about Easter Monday, nor does it instruct its celebration.

This day is a sad day in some cultures where people remember Jesus' death. People in Germany hold Easter egg races, and in Leicestershire, three bottles, which are usually kegs of beer, are kicked around by huge masses. The kicking around is called bottle kicking traditionally.

Two teams that are not properly formed try to kick the bottles over a mile apart over one of two streams to decide who wins. The only rules are that there will be no weapons, strangling, or eye-gouging.

Easter Monday sees a Bank holiday in Wales, Northern Ireland, and England, but Scotland only sees a few parts closed.