What day is Easter in 2026? Find out the date and why it varies

Easter in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, April 5th. This is one of the main Christian holidays, traditionally marked by the exchange of chocolate eggs and family gatherings around a table with codfish. But have you ever stopped to think about why Easter doesn’t always fall on the same date?

Why does Easter change date every year?

Easter doesn’t follow a fixed calendar like other celebrations. Its date is determined by the Catholic Church based on lunar calculations, not the common calendar. Specifically, it occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the March equinox (the time when day and night are of equal length in the Northern Hemisphere).

This calculation method was established centuries ago to synchronize the celebration with astronomical and religious traditions. As a result, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25, depending on when the full moon occurs each year.

The religious significance of Easter

For Christians around the world, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, one of the most important events of the Christian faith. According to biblical tradition, the resurrection occurred three days after Christ’s crucifixion, marking the promise of salvation for believers.

Is Easter a holiday in Brazil?

Here’s an important point: Easter itself is not considered a national holiday in Brazil. However, Good Friday (also known as Holy Friday), which precedes Easter Sunday, is a mandatory holiday. In 2026, Good Friday will be observed on April 3rd.

Dates to note: 2026

• Good Friday: April 3, 2026 (national holiday)
• Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026 (not a national holiday)

Therefore, while the date of Easter always falls on a variable Sunday, the preceding Good Friday is guaranteed to be a holiday. Mark these dates on your calendar and get ready for the celebrations in 2026!