It happens every spring. You’re looking at the calendar, trying to plan a vacation or a family dinner, and you realize you have no idea when Easter actually falls. One year it’s in March; the next, it’s late April. Because Holy Week is the engine that drives the entire spring liturgical season, figuring out when does Holy Week start usually requires a bit of "lunar math" that feels more like astronomy than theology.
It starts on Palm Sunday.
That’s the short answer. But the long answer is way more interesting because the timing is tied to the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. Back then, church leaders decided that Easter should be the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. If that sounds complicated, it’s because it is. Basically, if the moon doesn’t cooperate, the whole schedule slides.
The Big Kickoff: Palm Sunday and the Start of the Passion
Holy Week officially begins on Palm Sunday. In 2026, that lands on March 29.
For most people, this is the day you see churchgoers carrying palm fronds or little crosses made of dried leaves. It’s a bit of a bittersweet day. On one hand, you’ve got the celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem—basically a victory parade. On the other hand, the liturgy takes a sharp turn toward the "Passion," which is just a fancy way of saying the suffering that’s about to happen.
Why palms?
In the ancient world, palms were a symbol of victory and peace. When the crowds spread them on the road, they were treating Jesus like a conquering king. Fast forward to Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week, and the vibe gets much heavier. These days are often overlooked, but they’re packed with specific narratives: the cleansing of the temple, the debates with the Pharisees, and "Spy Wednesday," which is the traditional name for the day Judas Iscariot allegedly made his deal to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
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It’s a fast-moving week. Honestly, the transition from the "Hosannas" of Sunday to the silence of the following Saturday is one of the most intense emotional arcs in any religious tradition.
The Triduum: The Three Days That Change Everything
If you’re asking when does Holy Week start because you need to know when the "big" services are, you’re looking for the Triduum. This is a three-day period that starts on the evening of Holy Thursday and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday. It’s technically one long, continuous liturgy.
- Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): This is the anniversary of the Last Supper. The word "Maundy" comes from mandatum, meaning "command." It refers to the command Jesus gave to love one another, symbolized by the washing of feet.
- Good Friday: The most somber day on the Christian calendar. There is no Mass. No bells. Usually, the altars are stripped bare. It’s the day of the crucifixion.
- Holy Saturday: A day of waiting. Nothing happens until the Easter Vigil after sundown, which is arguably the most beautiful service of the year, starting in total darkness with a single fire.
Some people get confused because Lent technically ends on Thursday evening before the Mass of the Lord's Supper begins. So, while Holy Week is the climax of Lent, the "Triduum" is its own separate, holy season. It’s a nuance that even lifelong churchgoers sometimes miss.
Why the Date Changes (Blame the Moon)
The Gregorian calendar we use for work and school is solar. It tracks the sun. But the Jewish Passover—which is when the events of Holy Week took place—is based on a lunar calendar.
To keep Easter (and thus Holy Week) somewhat aligned with the historical timing of Passover, the Church uses a "computus." That’s the mathematical calculation for the date of Easter. Since the vernal equinox is fixed on March 21 (ecclesiastically speaking), and the full moon can happen any time in a 29-day cycle, the start of Holy Week can swing wildly between March and April.
In 2026, the equinox is followed by a full moon quite early, which is why we’re seeing a late-March start. Compare that to years where the full moon happens just before the equinox—in those cases, we have to wait an entire extra lunar cycle, pushing Holy Week into late April.
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Eastern vs. Western Dates
It gets even more complex if you’re Eastern Orthodox. Most Orthodox churches still use the Julian calendar for their religious dates. Because the Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian, and they have an additional rule that Easter must come after Passover, their Holy Week often starts weeks after the Western one.
Sometimes they align. Usually, they don't.
For example, in 2025, both East and West celebrated on the same day. But in 2026, there’s a massive gap. Orthodox Holy Week won't start until mid-April. If you have friends in Greece or Ethiopia, they’ll be fasting while you’re already eating leftover chocolate eggs.
The Cultural Impact: More Than Just Church
Depending on where you are in the world, the start of Holy Week changes the entire rhythm of the city.
In Spain, particularly in Seville, Semana Santa is a massive public event. Huge floats called pasos are carried through the streets by costaleros. These aren't just parades; they’re intense acts of penance that have been happening for centuries.
In the Philippines, you’ll see the "Pabasa," a 24-hour marathon chanting of the life of Christ. In many Latin American countries, the "Alfombras"—stunning carpets made of dyed sawdust and flowers—are laid out on the streets for the Palm Sunday processions to walk over.
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Even if you aren't religious, the week marks a major shift in global travel and commerce. Schools close. Banks in many countries shut down for "Red Thursday" or Good Friday. It’s one of the few times of the year when a huge chunk of the planet collectively slows down, even if just for a few days.
Common Misconceptions About the Start of Holy Week
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that Holy Week starts with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It doesn't. Lent is a 40-day journey (not counting Sundays) that leads up to Holy Week.
Another weird one? People think the "Easter Bunny" or the secular bits of the holiday are part of Holy Week. Historically, the church actually tried to distance the solemnity of Holy Week from the more pagan-leaning spring festivals involving rabbits and eggs (symbols of fertility). Today, they’re all mashed together, but in a liturgical sense, the "Holy" part of the week is strictly focused on the Passion narrative.
Also, don't confuse Holy Week with "Bright Week." Bright Week is the week after Easter. While Holy Week is about sorrow and sacrifice, Bright Week is essentially a seven-day party.
Preparing for the Week
If you're planning to observe the week, it's not just about showing up on Sunday. Many people use the Monday through Wednesday period for confession or "spring cleaning" of the home—a tradition that actually stems from the Jewish practice of clearing out leaven before Passover.
- Check local schedules: Because the Triduum services (Thursday/Friday) are unique, they often happen at odd times, like 3:00 PM on Friday or 8:00 PM on Thursday.
- Plan for fasting: Friday is a day of fast and abstinence for many, so that’s the day to skip the steakhouse.
- The "Silent" Saturday: Many people find that keeping Saturday as a "quiet day" makes the celebration of Easter morning much more impactful.
Actionable Steps for Holy Week 2026
- Mark March 29 on your calendar. That is the official start. If you're planning a trip to a country like Italy or Spain, expect heavy crowds and closed shops starting that day.
- Verify your tradition. If you are attending an Orthodox service, remember their Holy Week starts later, on April 5, with Pascha (Easter) falling on April 12.
- Look for the "Lazarus Saturday" events. The Saturday before Palm Sunday is often when many Eastern traditions hold special services for the raising of Lazarus, acting as a "pre-game" for the start of Holy Week.
- Prepare for the "Spy Wednesday" shift. Mid-week is when the tone shifts from the triumphal entry to the betrayal. It's a good time to reflect on the darker themes of the week before the major services begin.
Knowing when Holy Week starts is about more than just a date; it’s about understanding a cycle that has governed human time for nearly two millennia. Whether you're in it for the faith, the history, or just the cultural experience, it's a week that demands your attention. Mark your calendars for late March and get ready for the most intense seven days of the year.