Key Dates for the Easter 2027 Season
If you are planning church services, time off work, or family gatherings, here is the complete calendar of key dates leading up to Easter 2027.
| Observance | Date in 2027 | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ash Wednesday | Wednesday, February 17 | Marks the beginning of Lent and the 40 days of fasting/repentance. |
| Palm Sunday | Sunday, March 21 | Commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. |
| 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 celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday | Monday, March 29 | A public holiday in many countries, extending the Easter celebrations. |
Why is Easter on March 28 in 2027?
Many people wonder why Easter’s date changes every year while Christmas remains fixed on December 25. The date of Easter is determined by a mathematical and astronomical calculation known as Computus.
In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon—the first full moon that occurs on or just after the spring (vernal) equinox (traditionally fixed on March 21 by the Church).
For 2027, the Paschal Full Moon falls on March 21. Because the following Sunday is March 28, that is when Western Christians will celebrate Easter.
Western vs. Orthodox Easter 2027
It is important to note that Eastern Orthodox Christians often celebrate Easter on a different date than Western Catholics and Protestants. This is because the Orthodox Church calculates the date of Easter using the older Julian calendar rather than the modern Gregorian calendar, and they require that Easter always falls after the Jewish Passover.
- Western Easter 2027: Sunday, March 28, 2027
- Orthodox Easter (Pascha) 2027: Sunday, May 2, 2027
If you are planning travel to heavily Orthodox countries (such as Greece, Russia, or Romania) for the holiday, be sure to book your accommodations for the first weekend in May rather than late March.
FAQs
Is Easter early or late in 2027?
Easter is considered relatively early in 2027. The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22, and the latest is April 25. Falling on March 28 places it in the earliest third of the possible date spectrum.
Is Good Friday a public holiday in 2027?
Good Friday (March 26, 2027) is a statutory or public holiday in many countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and most of Latin America. However, it is not a federal holiday in the United States, though some states and private businesses may close.
What is the traditional flower for Easter 2027?
The Easter Lily is the traditional flower associated with the holiday. Its white trumpet shape symbolizes purity, virtue, and the resurrection of Christ.