How Many Days Until Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday 2026 is on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
About Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, also known as the Great Sabbath or Easter Eve, is the day between the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is the final day of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. Liturgically, it is a day of solemn waiting and quiet reflection, commemorating the time Jesus lay in the tomb.
The Day of Waiting and Hope
Holy Saturday holds profound theological significance as the bridge between death and new life.
Christ in the Tomb
The central focus is Jesus' body resting in the tomb after his death. It represents the silence and apparent finality of death.
Descent into Hell (Harrowing of Hell)
Christian tradition holds that during this time, Christ's soul descended to the realm of the dead ("Hell" or Hades/Sheol) to preach to the righteous souls who died before his coming and lead them to salvation.
A Day of Silence
It's a day of quiet contemplation, mourning, and anticipation. The Church waits at the Lord's tomb, meditating on his Passion and Death, and awaiting his Resurrection.
Anticipation of Resurrection
While solemn, it's also imbued with hope. The silence anticipates the joy of the Easter Vigil and the Resurrection.
Liturgical Observance (During the Day)
Holy Saturday during the daytime is unique in the liturgical year:
- No Mass Celebrated: Following Good Friday, Mass is not celebrated during the day on Holy Saturday. This reflects the absence of Christ's physical presence and the Church's mourning.
- Altar Stripped: The church altar typically remains bare, as it was stripped after the Holy Thursday Mass. The tabernacle is empty.
- Holy Communion: Holy Communion may only be given as Viaticum (to the dying).
- Sacraments: The celebration of sacraments like Baptism (except in danger of death) and Matrimony is deferred until the Easter Vigil. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) and Anointing of the Sick are permitted.
- Atmosphere: The overall mood is one of quiet, prayerful waiting and reflection on Christ's suffering and death.
The Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday Night)
Holy Saturday culminates after nightfall with the Easter Vigil, the most important liturgy of the year, marking the beginning of the Easter celebration. It is considered the "mother of all holy vigils."
Service of Light (Lucernarium)
Begins in darkness, blessing of the new fire, lighting of the Paschal Candle (symbolizing Christ, the Light of the World), and the chanting of the Exsultet (Easter Proclamation).
Liturgy of the Word
Extended readings from the Old and New Testaments recounting salvation history, from Creation to the Resurrection.
Baptismal Liturgy
Blessing of baptismal water, often includes the baptism of catechumens (new members) and the renewal of baptismal promises by the congregation.
Eucharist
The celebration of the Eucharist resumes, marking the full joy of the Resurrection. The church is filled with light and Alleluias.