Holiday Calendar
23 saved#4,220 of 6,224

Passion Week

A religious observance during the week before Easter commemorating Jesus Christ’s Passion, including his betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial.

Sunday
21–27
March 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?
YEARLY DATEPassion Week (Western Easter − 7, 7d)
OBSERVED INIsrael
CATEGORYReligion
SUBCATEGORYChristian
ORIGIN

Religious Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY
Not documented
FIRST OBSERVED
3rd century
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Passion Week developed within early Christianity to commemorate Jesus Christ’s Passion, with early references by the 3rd century and a mature liturgical form established by the 4th century.

News Archivevia earlychristians.org
INTRO

Introduction

Welcome to the robust exploration of Passion Week commencing on March 24! This sacred observance, filled with deep meaning and significance, marks the final week of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry before his crucifixion. The roots of Passion Week lie in Christian tradition and its associated events have been recounted in the Bible, shining a light on the passionate love and heroic sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Embark on an enlightening journey through this week, bearing witness to the transformative power of faith, the profound depth of divine love, and an opportunity for spiritual renewal. It's a solemn, yet ultimately triumphant time that attests the victory over death, perfect for anyone to learn more and deepen their relationship with spirituality!

Advertisement

TIMELINE

Passion Week Timeline

Passion Week Events

Jesus Christ carries out a range of significant events recorded in the Bible, forming the foundation of Passion Week.

Early Christian Observance

Early Christians begin to observe Passion Week, commemorating the events leading to Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

Council of Nicea

The Council of Nicea establishes the observation of Easter after the Jewish Passover, cementing the timing of Passion Week.

Passion Plays Developed

Biblical dramas known as Passion Plays began to be performed during Passion Week to depict the last days and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Protestant Reformation

During the Protestant Reformation, significance and observance of Passion Week varied across different Christian denominations.

Modern Observance

Passion Week continues to be observed globally across Christian communities with church services, scripture reading, and Passion Plays.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Passion Week

EDITOR'S PICK

Re-enact the last supper

As the week begins, gather your family or community and re-enact the Last Supper, which provides an in-depth understanding of the importance and symbolism of the communal meal Jesus shared with his disciples.

ENGAGE

Engage in scripture study

Create a daily reading plan for Passion Week. Reviewing the biblical recounting of this week provides an opportunity to understand Christ's final teachings before His death, and allows for contemplation of their significance.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in Maundy Thursday Foot Washing

Jesus washed his disciples' feet to teach humility and the spirit of servitude. Participate in a foot washing ceremony with your family or community to experience this humbling demonstration of love and to appreciate Christ's teachings more deeply.

VISIT

Visit Church services throughout the week

Churches often have special services during Passion Week to commemorate different biblical events leading up to Jesus' resurrection. Participating in these services can be a very enriching and spiritual experience during this holy time.

CRAFT

Craft your own resurrection eggs

Resurrection eggs are an engaging and interactive way to tell the story of Jesus' passion and resurrection. Create your dozen with items to represent different parts of the Holy Week story, a fun and educational activity especially for children.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Passion Week is Important

Passion Week is an educational journey through biblical history

The observance of Passion Week includes scripture study that takes believers through the final days of Jesus Christ on Earth. Each day has its own significance, which helps deepen one's understanding of the Bible, the life of Jesus, and the Christian faith.

Passion Week serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrificial love

The events we remember and reflect upon during Passion Week tell the story of Jesus Christ's ultimate act of love - His death on the cross to pay for our sins. This is the cornerstone of Christian faith and a poignant reminder of His unending love and mercy.

Passion Week encourages spiritual renewal

The sacred observance of Passion Week provides a unique opportunity for believers to deepen their relationship with God. It is a time where Christians around the world engage in reflection, prayer, repentance, and move towards spiritual growth and renewal.

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M
Monthly readers
5K+
Holidays tracked