Christian Holiday
What is Easter Sunday?
The most important Christian feast — celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
In other languages: Domingo de Pascuaعيد الفصح复活节PâquesOstersonntagDomingo de Páscoa復活祭Пасхаईस्टर रविवार
48
Countries
Apr 5
2026
Mar 28
2027
History & Origins
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the central event of the Christian faith. It concludes Holy Week and the three days of the Easter Triduum (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday). The date is moveable: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox, placing it between 22 March and 25 April each year.
The word "Easter" is thought to derive from Eostre, a Germanic spring goddess, though the connection is disputed. Early Christians adopted the Hebrew Passover date (Nisan 14) before the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE standardised the Sunday calculation. Eastern Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar, so their Easter typically falls 1–5 weeks later than the Western date.
Easter is celebrated with sunrise church services, the lighting of the Paschal candle, and in many cultures with egg hunts, decorated eggs, and spring flowers — symbols of new life and resurrection. It is a public holiday in the vast majority of countries worldwide.
When is Easter Sunday?
Which countries observe Easter Sunday?
48 countries- Germany04/05
- Italy04/05
- Netherlands04/05
- Portugal04/05
- Belgium04/05
- Austria04/05
- Sweden04/05
- Norway04/05
- Denmark04/05
- Finland04/05
- Poland04/05
- Hungary04/05
- Croatia04/05
- Slovenia04/05
- Lithuania04/05
- Latvia04/05
- Estonia04/05
- Iceland04/05
- Albania04/05
- Armenia04/05
- Montenegro04/05
- San Marino04/05
- Kosovo04/05
- Brazil04/05
- Peru04/05
- Guatemala04/05
- Belize04/05
- Haiti04/05
- Suriname04/05
- Australia04/05
- Indonesia04/05
- Papua New Guinea04/05
- Benin04/05
- Republic of Congo04/05
- Gabon04/05
- Guinea-Bissau04/05
- Madagascar04/05
- South Sudan04/05
- Zimbabwe04/05
- Romania04/12
- Bulgaria04/12
- Greece04/12
- Serbia04/12
- Ukraine04/12
- Bosnia and Herzegovina04/12
- Georgia04/12
- Moldova04/12
- North Macedonia04/12
Related Holidays
Christian Holiday
Christmas Day
The annual Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, observed in 160+ countries on 25 December.
Christian Holiday
Good Friday
The Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.
Christian Holiday
Easter Monday
The day after Easter Sunday — a public holiday across most of Europe and the Commonwealth.
Christian Holiday
Ascension Day
Forty days after Easter — commemorates the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
Christian Holiday
Whit Monday
The day after Pentecost — a public holiday in much of continental Europe.
Christian Holiday
All Saints' Day
1 November — a Christian feast honouring all known and unknown saints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Easter Sunday?
- Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the central event of the Christian faith. It concludes Holy Week and the three days of the Easter Triduum (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday). The date is moveable: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox, placing it between 22 March and 25 April each year.
- When is Easter Sunday in 2026?
- Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, April 5, 2026 in most countries that observe it.
- When is Easter Sunday in 2027?
- Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, March 28, 2027 in most countries that observe it.
- How many countries observe Easter Sunday?
- Easter Sunday is observed as a public holiday in 48 countries, including Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium.
- Is Easter Sunday a public holiday?
- Yes — Easter Sunday is recognised as a public holiday in 48 countries. Observance rules, names, and exact dates may differ by country.