The Holy Week and its significance

LENT is drawing to an end, and Easter Sunday is just days away. But before believers celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there’s the most sacred week of Christianity: Holy Week.

One of the most anticipated holidays of the year, Easter is marked by a season of religious observances, traditions and celebrations leading up to the day — and observed by millions worldwide.

For Christians, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Christ, a fundamental belief in Christianity. According to Christian teachings, he was crucified, died and was buried, and on the third day — Easter Sunday — he rose from the dead.

From Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, here’s what to know about Holy Week and each day’s significance.

When is Holy Week 2026?

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 29 and ends with Holy Saturday – the day before Easter – on April 4.

Dates vary yearly based on the lunar calendar. The day after Holy Week, Easter Sunday, lands on the first Sunday following the Paschal full moon. This full moon occurs on or after the spring equinox, whose 2026 astronomical date was Friday, March 20.

Palm Sunday and its significance

Palm Sunday, which kicks off Holy Week, was on March 29. It represents the day Christ entered Jerusalem, waving palm branches. He rode a donkey to fulfil a prophecy and identify himself as a humble, peaceful Messiah. People welcomed Christ as their Saviour by laying palm branches and coats on the road, singing hymns to express their joy.

When is Maundy Thursday 2026, and what is its meaning?

Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, is on April 2.

"Maundy" means foot-washing, which refers to Christ washing the feet of his 13 disciples as narrated by the Bible's New Testament. Afterwards, they gathered for the Last Supper, a final meal together before Christ was crucified. He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he was arrested.

Some Christians choose to have a feast on Holy Thursday to commemorate the Last Supper.

When does Lent end in 2026? Maundy Thursday, the last day of Lent

Lent will officially come to a close on Maundy Thursday.

The Lenten season is 40 days of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter. This represents the 40 days that Christ spent fasting and praying in the desert before starting his public ministry.

During Lent, many believers give up certain luxuries — such as sweets, specific foods, social media or alcohol — as a form of self-discipline. Others take on new spiritual practices, like daily prayer or acts of charity. Sundays are not traditionally counted in the 40 days, as they are considered days of celebration rather than fasting.

Lent always begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thursday, just before the Last Supper.

The Rev. Stephen Finkel places ashes on the forehead of Eric Min during a drive-thru observance of Ash Wednesday at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer and repentance leading up to Easter. 

“We are made from dust, and we will return to dust,” said Finkel.

The Rev. Stephen Finkel places ashes on the forehead of Eric Min during a drive-thru observance of Ash Wednesday at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer and repentance leading up to Easter. “We are made from dust, and we will return to dust,” said Finkel.

When is Good Friday 2026? What is Good Friday?

This year, Good Friday is observed on April 3. It’s celebrated on the Friday before Easter and marks the day Christ was crucified and died.

When is Holy Saturday 2026, and what is its significance?

Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, represents the day Christ's body rested in the tomb before resurrection. For many Christians, it's characterised as a time of waiting, reflection and anticipation for Easter.

When is Easter Sunday 2026? What does Easter celebrate?

This year, Easter Sunday is on April 5.

Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. It is also called Resurrection Sunday and is celebrated as the day Christ was resurrected from the dead.