When is Easter?

Did you know that Easter can fall anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th, depending on the year?

Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on a fixed date, Easter changes every year. This is because it is based on a combination of the solar calendar and the lunar calendar. Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox (usually around March 21st).

This method of finding Easter was established by the early church and it also follows the timing of Passover. This was the Jewish festival during which the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus took place.

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Three crosses with Jesus and two thieves against a blue sky with Roman centurions at the foot of the cross.

Easter Dates

for the next 20 years

(2016–2036 in the Gregorian calendar).

Easter is one of the most important festivals of the year for people all over the world. Easter is the time when we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and when free Passion Plays are performed all over the world. But why does Easter fall on a different date each year? Explore the answer and find Easter dates for the next twenty years below. You can also see our website to find a free Passion Play near you. 

YEAR GOOD FRIDAY EASTER SUNDAY

Easter Dates

over the last 20 years

YEAR GOOD FRIDAY EASTER SUNDAY

How to Calculate Easter Dates

To calculate Easter for any given year, you can use a simple method based on the moon’s cycle. First, you need to determine the date of the vernal equinox, which is typically around March 20 or 21. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after this date. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is the following Sunday. This method is quite simple, but if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, you can also use the “Computus” method. This is a formula developed in the 6th century that involves calculating the golden number and adjusting for leap years. These are the two main ways to find Easter, but many of us prefer the online calculators that give us the date instantly!