When is Catholic Easter in 2026

Easter is the central holiday of the Christian world, established in memory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after the crucifixion. For Catholics, as for Orthodox Christians, this is the main day of the church year. Believers gather for solemn divine services, consecrate treats, participate in festive masses and charity events. About when Catholics will celebrate Easter in 2026 and how the Western tradition differs from the Orthodox one, see the Izvestia article.

When is Catholic Easter in 2026

Easter has no fixed date and is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. As a rule, this period falls between March 22 and April 25.

In 2026, Catholics will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on April 5, a week earlier than Orthodox Christians.

Why is Easter celebrated on different dates?

The difference in dates lies in the peculiarities of Western and Eastern traditions. After the reform of Pope Gregory XIII in the 16th century, the Catholic Church switched to the Gregorian calendar. The Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian style to determine church dates.

Sometimes coincidences do occur. So, in 2025, Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on April 20. However, more often the difference is from one to several weeks. In addition, in Orthodox practice, there is a rule according to which the holiday should not precede the Jewish Passover.

Easter will be early in 2026: when Orthodox and Catholic Christians have the Resurrection of Christ — dates published

Why are the days of celebration of the main Christian celebration different?

Catholic Easter — the history of the holiday

Easter is one of the most ancient Christian celebrations. Its celebration dates back to apostolic times. Already the first disciples of Christ annually recalled the events of Holy Week and the Resurrection of the Savior. The final rules for calculating the date were fixed at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325.

The very name of the holiday is associated with the Hebrew word "Passover," which translates as "transition." In the Old Testament, Passover is dedicated to the exodus of the Jews from Egypt and deliverance from slavery. Since the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ took place during this Jewish holiday, Christians gave it a new spiritual meaning — liberation from sin and the beginning of a new life.

How Catholics celebrate Easter

The preparatory period begins with Holy Week. Three days are of particular importance — Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. At this time, the Last Supper, the sufferings and death of Christ are remembered.

"The great Easter holiday gives us love and hope, faith in goodness and justice"

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The key moment is considered to be the Easter vigil at night. Before the service begins, a fire is consecrated, from which a large Paschal candle is lit. Then the fire is passed to the parishioners. This rite symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

On Holy Saturday, the products are consecrated. Believers bring eggs, bread, meat dishes and pastries to the temple. And on Sunday morning they gather for a solemn mass. After the service, it's time for a festive feast. In many countries, people are looking for chocolate eggs hidden by the Easter bunny on this day.

Catholics congratulate each other with the traditional words: "Christ is risen!" — "Truly risen!". Wishes of "Happy Easter!" are also often heard. At the same time, Catholics do not accept Christening (kissing three times on Easter) and beating colored eggs.

Earlier, Izvestia told when Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter in 2026.

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