As the Christian calendar reaches its peak, the season of Lent is drawing to a close, culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—events that form the foundation of the Christian faith.
In 2026, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 5, with Easter Monday falling on April 6.
What is Easter?
For Christians, Easter is the most important religious celebration of the year. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion, symbolising victory over sin and death, and offering believers hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life.
The season brings a transition from the solemn period of Lent to a time of joy, celebration, and spiritual renewal.
Why Easter Date Changes Every Year
Unlike fixed holidays such as Christmas, Easter is a movable feast, meaning its date changes annually.
The timing is based on the lunar calendar. Specifically, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon—the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21, which is recognised as the spring equinox in the Gregorian calendar used in Kenya and much of the world.
In 2026, the Paschal Full Moon occurred on April 2, placing Easter Sunday on April 5.
However, the Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar to calculate Easter, resulting in a different date. This year, Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on April 12.
The Meaning of Lent and Holy Week
The Lent period prepares believers for Easter through prayer, fasting, and repentance.
The final week, known as Holy Week, is especially significant. It includes Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, and Holy Saturday, leading into the Easter Vigil.
During this time, Christians are encouraged to participate in activities such as the Way of the Cross, confession, and acts of charity.
How Christians Celebrate Easter
Easter is celebrated with joyful church services, particularly the Easter Vigil Mass and Easter Sunday services, where Christians proclaim Jesus as the risen Christ.
Beyond worship, the day is marked by family gatherings, shared meals, and acts of kindness.
Believers are also encouraged to reflect on the message of the resurrection by living out their faith through compassion, service, and love in their daily lives.
A Message of Hope and Renewal
Ultimately, Easter is not just a historical remembrance but a living celebration of faith. It reminds Christians of the power of renewal and the promise that light can overcome darkness.
As the Lenten season ends, the focus shifts to hope, joy, and the enduring message of new life through the resurrection.
