TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - This year’s February is filled with special occasions that bring both peace and affection to people’s hearts. As Valentine’s Day dims its light, Christians around the world are preparing for Lent, the 40-day reflection period leading up to Easter.
Unlike Christmas, which arrives on the same date each year, Easter does not sit still. Its timing shifts annually, guided not by a fixed day on the calendar but by the cycles of the moon. That movement often sparks the same question every year: When exactly is Easter, and the observances leading up to it?
For devoted Christians, here are some key dates to mark on the calendar in the following months this spring, according to various sources.
When Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday in 2026 falls on February 18, arriving slightly earlier than many might expect.
This solemn day marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter. In churches across the globe, worshippers gather to receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads.
From this day forward, many Christians commit to spiritual disciplines, whether through fasting, giving something up, or dedicating more time to prayer.
When Is Good Friday?
Good Friday will be observed on April 3, 2026.
Taking place two days before Easter Sunday, this solemn observance commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Churches often hold quiet services focused on scripture readings, reflection, and remembrance of sacrifice.
When Is Easter?
Easter Sunday in 2026 falls on April 5 for churches that follow the Gregorian calendar.
Easter always lands on a Sunday, concluding Holy Week, a sequence of observances that includes Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday. The celebration marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith and a symbol of renewal and hope.
Easter’s changing date is rooted in an age-old calculation. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the spring equinox. Because the lunar calendar shifts each year, the date of Easter moves accordingly.
It’s worth noting that some Eastern Orthodox churches, which follow the Julian calendar, may celebrate Easter on a later date.
Read: Unwrapping Easter: The Origins of Eggs, Rabbits, and Chocolate
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