Easter in 2026: date, traditions and dietary restrictions
Christ’s Resurrection, or Easter, is one of the most important Christian festivals.
Unlike Christmas or Trinity Sunday, the date of Easter varies from year to year. It depends on the date of the first full moon following the spring equinox.
We explain when Easter will be celebrated in 2026, publish a calendar of celebrations for the coming years, and remind you of the holiday’s traditions.
When is Easter in 2026: the date of the celebration for Orthodox and Catholics
In 2026, Western Christians will celebrate Easter on 5 April.
Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter a week later — on 12 April.
This is because, according to Orthodox canons, Easter is not celebrated during the Jewish festival of Passover. And in 2026, Passover falls on 1–9 April.
Will there be an extra day off for Easter 2026 in Ukraine
Easter is a public holiday in Ukraine. As it is always celebrated on a Sunday, the following Monday is usually a day off.
However, this rule does not apply whilst martial law is in force. Therefore, if it continues, Monday 13 April 2026 will be a working day.
When is Easter in 2027
For Orthodox Christians — 2 May; for Western Christians — 28 March.
When is Easter in 2028
Orthodox Christians and Catholics will celebrate the holiday on the same day — 16 April.
When is Easter in 2029
For Orthodox Christians — 8 April, for Catholics — 1 April.
When is Easter in 2030
For Orthodox Christians — 28 April, for Western Christians — 21 April.
Easter traditions, Lent, Holy Week
The celebration of Easter is preceded by Lent, which lasts seven weeks. During this time, believers abstain from food of animal origin — meat, eggs, butter, milk, etc.
The last week before Easter holds special significance for Christians. It is called Holy Week — during these seven days, the Passion of Christ and the final days of his earthly life are commemorated.
Each day of Holy Week has its own significance:
On Great Monday, the Church commemorates the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, as well as the cursing of the fig tree. Monday also marks the beginning of the preparation of holy chrism. The chrism is prepared only once a year — from Monday to Wednesday of Holy Week, and is consecrated on Thursday.
On Tuesday of Holy Week, the faithful recall how Christ taught in the Temple in Jerusalem and how the people regarded Him as a prophet.
Holy Wednesday (Passion Wednesday) — the day of Jesus’s betrayal, suffering and death. On this day, the service honours the ‘sinner’ who poured myrrh on Jesus’s head and condemns Judas’s betrayal.
On Maundy Thursday, believers commemorate the institution of the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ — the Eucharist.
Good Friday is the most sorrowful day, for it was on Friday that Jesus was crucified and died, redeeming the sins of mankind. It is customary to spend this day in quiet reflection and remembrance of the life and teachings of Christ.
On Holy Saturday, we recall how, according to biblical teaching, Jesus descended in spirit into hell and led the souls of the righteous out of it. On Saturday evening, festive services begin in churches.
Easter cakes and painted eggs must be blessed before sunrise. After the blessing of the Easter dishes, alms must be given to the needy. According to tradition, this helps to bring prosperity into the home.
After midnight, a solemn service takes place in churches and cathedrals — the Easter Matins.
On Easter Sunday, the family gathers together at one table to break the fast. It is customary to begin the meal with eggs.
What cannot be blessed at Easter
The Church reminds us that one should not simply put anything and everything into a basket and take it to church to be blessed.
The following items cannot be blessed at Easter:
- alcohol,
- dishes made from animal blood,
- fruit and vegetables,
- material possessions.
Easter: what you must not do
On Easter, you must not engage in heavy labour or do housework. You must not build, repair, clean or do laundry.
You must not swear, argue or harbour ill will. Although, of course, this is something you should avoid doing on any day.
Also, on Easter, you must not get married or visit a cemetery.
Furthermore, you must not throw away blessed food — it is recommended that you give it to animals or burn it.
