Easter 2026: see when Good Friday and Easter Sunday fall
Sexta-Fair Santa 2026 will be observed on April 3, the date that marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Cristo on the Western Christian calendar. The holiday is part of Semana Santa and precedes Domingo of Páscoa, celebrated on April 5th. The date varies annually depending on the lunar cycle and the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere.
The Páscoa celebrations in 2026 close the Quaresma period, which began on February 18 with the Quarta fair of Cinzas. Milhões of Christians, especially Roman Catholics, follow this time of reflection, fasting and penance. Semana Santa concentrates the main liturgical events of the year.
Key dates for Quaresma and Semana Santa in 2026
The Quarta fair of Cinzas took place on February 18th. The Domingo of Ramos falls on March 29th. The Quinta-fair Santa will be celebrated on April 2nd.
Meaning of Sexta-fair Santa
Sexta-Fair Santa, also called Sexta-Fair Santa or Cristãos observe the day with fasting, abstinence, and special religious services. Igrejas celebrate the Paixão of Senhor, without mass, and many faithful participate in the Stations of the Cross.
The term “good” in the expression Good Friday derives from Old English, where “good” meant holy or sacred. The tradition dates back to the 13th century. The day is marked by silence and recollection in different Christian denominations.
Week Santa and sequence of events
Semana Santa begins with the Domingo of Ramos, which recalls the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalém. Na Quinta Santa fair, believers celebrate Última Ceia and the washing of feet. Sexta-fair Santa is dedicated to passion and death. The Sábado Santo keeps Easter vigil at night.
The Domingo of Páscoa, on April 5, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and represents the high point of the liturgical year. Missas festivals occur all over the world.
Differences with the Orthodox calendar
Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar, celebrate Páscoa on April 12, 2026. The dates of Quaresma and Semana Santa also differ in this branch of Christianity. Most Western churches use the Gregorian calendar to calculate Páscoa.
Other related dates in 2026
Pessach (Jewish Passover) takes place from April 1st to 9th. Esse period partially coincides with the Christian Semana Santa. The proximity between the two religious festivals generates inter-religious reflections in different communities.
The date setting of Páscoa follows the Concílio of Niceia of 325, which established the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox. Esse criteria ensures that Páscoa takes place between March 22nd and April 25th.
In 2026, choosing April 5 as Páscoa continues tradition and allows for adequate preparation during the 40-day Quaresma.
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