Holy Week 2026 begins on Sunday, March 29, 2026, and concludes on Sunday, April 5, 2026. This sacred period in the Christian calendar commemorates the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, serving as the culmination of the 40-day season of Lent.
Notable fact for 2026: In a rare and beautiful alignment, Western (Catholic/Protestant) and Eastern Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on the exact same day: April 5, 2026.
Whether you are planning church services, family gatherings, or spiritual retreats, this complete guide provides everything you need to know about the Holy Week 2026 calendar.
When is Holy Week 2026?
Holy Week 2026 starts on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
It is the most solemn and sacred week in the Christian liturgical year, immediately following the conclusion of Lent. The week is anchored by the Paschal Triduum (the three days from Maundy Thursday evening through Easter Sunday), which represents the climax of the Christian faith. Because the date of Easter is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, Holy Week dates shift every year, making advance planning essential for churches, schools, and families.
Holy Week 2026 Dates
Below is the complete, day-by-day calendar for Holy Week 2026. You can use this schedule to plan religious observances, time off work, or family traditions.
| Day of Holy Week | Date in 2026 | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | Sunday, March 29, 2026 | Commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. |
| Holy Monday | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Reflects on Jesus cleansing the Temple and his authority. |
| Holy Tuesday | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Focuses on Jesus’ teachings and parables in Jerusalem. |
| Holy Wednesday | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Also known as “Spy Wednesday”; marks Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus. |
| Maundy Thursday | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | Commemorates the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet. |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3, 2026 | A day of fasting and mourning commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. |
| Holy Saturday | Saturday, April 4, 2026 | A day of quiet reflection; culminates in the Easter Vigil at night. |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. |
(Note: Good Friday, April 3, 2026, is a public holiday in many countries and several U.S. states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Tennessee.)
A Day-by-Day Guide to Holy Week 2026
To help you prepare spiritually and practically, here is a brief overview of the meaning behind each day of Holy Week 2026:
- Palm Sunday (March 29): Churches distribute blessed palm branches, and congregations often participate in processions to reenact Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where crowds laid down palm fronds and cloaks in his path.
- Holy Monday & Tuesday (March 30–31): These days are traditionally focused on reflection, repentance, and studying the final teachings of Jesus, including the Olivet Discourse.
- Holy Wednesday (April 1): Often called “Spy Wednesday,” this day marks the moment Judas Iscariot conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. In some traditions, it is a day of fasting.
- Maundy Thursday (April 2): The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum (commandment), referring to Jesus’ command to “love one another as I have loved you.” Churches hold services commemorating the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of the feet.
- Good Friday (April 3): A solemn day of fasting, prayer, and veneration of the Cross. Church bells are often silenced, and altars are stripped bare to reflect the gravity of Christ’s crucifixion.
- Holy Saturday (April 4): A day of waiting and silence at the tomb. After sunset, the Easter Vigil takes place, featuring the lighting of the Paschal candle, scripture readings, and the celebration of the first Mass of Easter.
- Easter Sunday (April 5): The joyous culmination of Holy Week. Churches are decorated with flowers, the “Alleluia” returns to the liturgy, and families gather to celebrate the resurrection and new life.
How to Prepare for Holy Week 2026
- Mark Your Calendar: Share the Holy Week 2026 dates with your family and workplace early, especially if you need to request time off for Good Friday (April 3) or Easter Monday (April 6, observed in many countries).
- Plan Your Spiritual Observance: Check your local parish or church website in early 2026 for specific times for the Triduum services, as Good Friday and Holy Saturday Vigil times can fill up quickly.
- Prepare for Traditions: If your family observes traditions like dyeing eggs, preparing Capirotada or Hot Cross Buns, or attending a Seder meal, begin gathering supplies in late February.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates for Holy Week 2026?
Holy Week 2026 runs from Sunday, March 29, 2026 (Palm Sunday) to Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).
Is Good Friday 2026 a federal holiday?
Good Friday (April 3, 2026) is not a U.S. federal holiday, meaning federal offices and banks will remain open. However, it is a state holiday in several states (like Kentucky and New Jersey) and a national public holiday in many countries worldwide, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Why do Holy Week dates change every year?
Holy Week dates are tied to Easter, which is a “moveable feast.” Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox (March 21). Therefore, Holy Week can fall anywhere between late March and late April.
What is the Paschal Triduum in 2026?
The Paschal Triduum is the three-day period that forms the heart of Holy Week. In 2026, it begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday (April 2), continues through Good Friday (April 3) and Holy Saturday (April 4), and concludes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday (April 5).
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