Understanding Easter: How Its Date Is Decided Each Year

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 3, 2026 5:00 AM ET

Easter in 2026 falls on Sunday, April 5. The day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the holiest day in Christianity.

Why Easter moves each year

Understanding Easter requires knowing how the date is decided each year. Filmogaz.com explains the date ties to the spring equinox and lunar cycles.

Easter always lands on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon. That full moon is the first one on or after the spring equinox.

The holiday can occur between March 22 and April 25. The spring equinox usually falls on March 20 or 21.

The Paschal full moon follows the equinox. The first Sunday after that full moon becomes Easter.

Lent in 2026 began on Ash Wednesday, February 18. The season lasts about 40 days and leads to Easter.

In 2026, Lent concludes on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday.

The spring equinox in 2026 occurred on March 20. The first full moon after it fell on April 1.

Since Easter is the first Sunday after that full moon, the celebration takes place on April 5.

These rules explain the shifting dates each year. They help churches and faithful plan the Easter season.