Palm Sunday in 2027 will be observed on Sunday, March 21.
Also known as Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and the final week of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event celebrated by crowds waving palm branches and laying them in his path.
Because it is a moveable feast tied to the lunar calendar, the date changes every year. Below is your complete guide to the exact date of Palm Sunday in 2027, the history behind the holiday, and the full schedule for Holy Week.
When is Palm Sunday 2027?
For quick reference, here are the key details for Palm Sunday 2027:
- Date: Sunday, March 21, 2027
- Day of the Week: Sunday
- Significance: The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem; the start of Holy Week.
- Also Known As: Passion Sunday, Branch Sunday, or Sunday of the Passion.
Palm Sunday 2027 Date and Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday is the gateway to the most sacred week in Christianity. To help you plan your church attendance, work schedules, or family gatherings, here is the complete calendar of Holy Week 2027, starting with Palm Sunday:
| Holy Week Day | Date in 2027 | Liturgical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | Sunday, March 21 | Commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. |
| Holy Monday | Monday, March 22 | Reflects on Jesus cleansing the temple and his teachings. |
| Holy Tuesday | Tuesday, March 23 | Focuses on the parables and prophecies of the end times. |
| Spy Wednesday | Wednesday, March 24 | Marks Judas Iscariot’s agreement to betray Jesus. |
| Maundy Thursday | Thursday, March 25 | Observes the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet. |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 26 | A solemn day of fasting commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. |
| Holy Saturday | Saturday, March 27 | The day Jesus rested in the tomb; features the Easter Vigil at night. |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, March 28 | The joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
Western vs. Orthodox Palm Sunday 2027 Dates
It is important to note that Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday (often called Willow Sunday or Palm Sunday in the Orthodox tradition) on a different date than Western Christians (Catholics and Protestants).
The Orthodox Church calculates the date of Easter using the older Julian calendar and requires that Pascha (Easter) always falls after the Jewish Passover.
- Western Palm Sunday 2027: Sunday, March 21, 2027
- Orthodox Palm Sunday 2027: Sunday, April 25, 2027
If you are planning travel to heavily Orthodox nations (such as Greece, Russia, or Ethiopia) to experience the holiday, be sure to plan your trip for late April rather than late March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Sunday a public holiday in the United States?
No, Palm Sunday is not a federal or public holiday in the United States. Businesses, schools, and government offices operate on their normal Sunday hours. However, it is a day of strict religious obligation for many Christians.
What do the palm branches symbolize on Palm Sunday?
In ancient times, palm branches were symbols of triumph, victory, and peace. In the context of Palm Sunday, they represent the victory of Jesus over death and his spiritual kingship, as well as the peace he brought to his followers.
What happens to the palm branches after Palm Sunday?
In Catholic and Anglican traditions, the blessed palm branches are not thrown in the regular trash. Instead, they are collected by the church and burned to create the ashes used for the following year’s Ash Wednesday service.
Why is it sometimes called Passion Sunday?
While the beginning of the service focuses on the joyous entry into Jerusalem (the “Palm” aspect), the liturgy quickly transitions to the somber reading of the Passion of Christ (his arrest, trial, and crucifixion). Hence, the official liturgical name is the “Sunday of the Passion.”