On Easter, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 2026, both Western rites and Eastern churches will observe Easter on different days, Easter Sunday, April 5, and Easter Sunday, April 12 respectively. In some Christian traditions, Easter is preceded by the Lenten season (40 days and 6 Sundays), during which Christians commemorate and reflect on the 40 days in the wilderness Jesus spent fasting in isolation and enduring trials.
This year, Western rites Lent begins on Feb. 18 (Ash Wednesday) and on February 23 for Eastern/Orthodox. The week before Easter begins with Palm Sunday (Western rites on March 29 and Eastern/Orthodox on April 5, 2026) and is known as Holy Week. Some Christians attend services or participate in acts of fellowship and service throughout the week; Good Friday, which falls this year on April 3, is for many a reflective day of fasting and penance. Eastern/Orthodox Holy Friday is on April 10. The Easter season concludes with Pentecost, which occurs 49 days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’s followers.
This year, Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 24.
Here is a link to a calendar of religious holidays and observances maintained by ASU’s Council of Religious Advisors: CORA calendar
While personal religious practices vary among students, students may ask for various types of accommodation when classes, tests, or other coursework is scheduled or due during this season, particularly on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
Western rites:
Lent begins – February 18 (Ash Wednesday)
Palm Sunday – March 29
Maundy Thursday – April 2
Good Friday – April 3
Easter Sunday – April 5
Eastern/Orthodox:
Lent begins – February 23
Palm Sunday – April 5
Holy Thursday – April 9
Holy Friday – April 10
Easter Sunday – April 12