By ATTS 
Understanding the Religious Holidays of April 2025
As the end of Lent approaches, Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the most sacred week in their calendar. April 2025 marks a significant time for both Christians and Jews, as Holy Week and Passover coincide. This article will guide you through the key dates and events, helping you understand the significance of each holiday and how they interconnect.
When Does Lent 2025 End?
Lent, a period of reflection and penance for Christians, began on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and will conclude on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This six-week journey, which precedes Easter, is a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and charity. During Lent, many Christians abstain from eating meat on Fridays, opting instead for fish-fry Fridays as a way to honor their faith and commitments. This practice fosters a sense of community and shared devotion among believers.
Palm Sunday 2025: A Triumphant Entry
Palm Sunday, which falls on April 13, 2025, commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This day marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of intense reflection and celebration. Catholics carry blessed palm branches into church, symbolizing the welcoming gesture given to Jesus when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey. The Mass on this day includes readings that recount the story of Jesus’ Passion and death, setting the tone for the week ahead.
Holy Week 2025: A Week of Deep Significance
Holy Week is the most sacred period in the Catholic calendar, spanning from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Each day holds unique significance:
- Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Monday: Recalls Jesus clearing the temple of money changers.
- Tuesday: Marks the anointing of Jesus at Bethany and his teachings on the Mount of Olives.
- Wednesday: Remembers the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.
- Holy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper, Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his arrest.
- Good Friday: Honors the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
- Holy Saturday: Represents the burial of Jesus and his descent into hell.
- Easter Sunday: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
Each day offers an opportunity for reflection and connection with the faith.
Good Friday 2025: Remembering the Crucifixion
Good Friday, observed on April 18, 2025, is a day of solemn remembrance. Known by various names such as Black Friday and Holy Friday, this day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not a federal holiday, it is recognized as a state public holiday in Delaware and New Jersey, with government offices, schools, and some businesses closing. Christians worldwide gather for special services, reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus and its profound impact on their lives.
Easter Sunday 2025: The Resurrection
Easter Sunday, on April 20, 2025, is the culminating day of the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his death on Good Friday. Easter is a time of joy, hope, and renewal, symbolizing the triumph of life over death. The date of Easter varies each year, determined by the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which occurs on or after the March equinox. This year’s equinox was on March 20, 2025.
Passover 2025: Remembering the Exodus
Passover, or Pesach, begins on the evening of April 12, 2025, and concludes on April 20, 2025. This week-long Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Central to Passover is the Seder meal, which includes traditional foods like matzah (unleavened bread) and the removal of leavened products from homes. Passover also features synagogue services and family gatherings, reinforcing the themes of freedom and faith.
Easter 2026: A Preview
Looking ahead, Easter Sunday in 2026 will fall on April 5, 2026. This date reflects the continued connection between the lunar cycles and the Christian calendar, ensuring that Easter remains a movable feast that aligns with the natural rhythms of the year.
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of the Season
April 2025 is a time of profound reflection and celebration for both Christians and Jews. As Holy Week and Passover overlap, they offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the shared values of faith, freedom, and renewal. Whether through participating in Lenten practices, attending Palm Sunday services, or gathering for the Seder meal, these holidays invite us to connect with our traditions and communities. As we approach Easter 2026, we carry forward the hope and resilience these holidays inspire, ensuring that their messages continue to guide us in the years to come.