How Many Days Until Holy Week?
Holy Week 2026 begins on Palm Sunday, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
About Holy Week
Holy Week is the most solemn and sacred week in the Christian liturgical year, observed during the week immediately preceding Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday and culminates on Holy Saturday, leading into the celebration of Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. During this week, Christians commemorate the final events of Jesus' earthly life, his Passion, Death, and Burial.
Overview of the Week
Holy Week follows the final days of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, focusing intensely on his suffering and sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. It marks the end of the Lenten season of preparation.
Climax of Lent
Holy Week represents the culmination of the 40-day Lenten period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing believers for the Paschal Mystery.
Focus on the Passion
Liturgies and readings center on the Gospel accounts of Jesus' final days: his entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his agony, betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial.
The Paschal Mystery
The week commemorates the core of Christian faith: the Paschal Mystery – Christ's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
Journey with Christ
Believers are invited to walk spiritually with Christ through his final moments, reflecting on his love and sacrifice.
Key Days of Holy Week
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday)
Commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches. The liturgy includes the blessing of palms and the reading of the Passion narrative. Liturgical color: Red.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of Holy Week
These days continue the Lenten focus. Gospels often include Jesus teaching in the Temple, confrontations with authorities, the anointing at Bethany, and Judas's agreement to betray Jesus. Liturgical color: Violet.
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
Commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood, and the Mandatum (washing of feet). Begins the Easter Triduum. Liturgical color: White.
Good Friday
Commemorates Jesus' crucifixion and death. A solemn day of fasting and abstinence. Liturgies include the reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion (consecrated on Holy Thursday). No Mass is celebrated. Liturgical color: Red.
Holy Saturday
Commemorates the day Jesus lay in the tomb. A day of quiet waiting and reflection. No Mass is celebrated during the day. The Easter Vigil begins after nightfall. Liturgical color: Violet (or none during the day).
Easter Vigil (Saturday Night)
The climax of the Triduum and the liturgical year. Celebrates Christ's resurrection. Includes the Service of Light (Paschal Candle), Liturgy of the Word, Baptismal Liturgy (welcoming new members), and Liturgy of the Eucharist. Liturgical color: White/Gold.
The Easter Triduum
The heart of Holy Week is the Easter Triduum (meaning "Three Days"), which begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. It is liturgically considered one continuous celebration of Christ's passing from death to life.
Holy Thursday Evening
Focus: Last Supper, Eucharist, Priesthood, Mandatum. Adoration follows.
Good Friday
Focus: Passion, Crucifixion, Death. Veneration of the Cross.
Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil
Focus: Waiting, Resurrection. The turning point from sorrow to joy.