When does the Holy Week start?
Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday, which falls on April 13, 2025.
It kicks off the final stretch of Lent and leads us straight into Easter.
For Christians around the world, it’s a powerful time to reflect on Jesus’ last days before the cross—and what that means for us now.
So if you’re asking “When is Holy Week?” or “What is Holy Week really about?”—you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, and it walks us through the events of Jesus’ final days before the resurrection.
It’s not just a church tradition—it’s the climax of the Gospel story.
Think of it this way: everything in Jesus’ ministry was building up to this week.
Here’s what it includes:
- Palm Sunday – Jesus rides into Jerusalem like a king (Matthew 21:1–11).
- Holy Monday – He clears the temple and challenges hypocrisy.
- Holy Tuesday – He teaches and debates with religious leaders.
- Spy Wednesday – Judas cuts a deal to betray Him.
- Maundy Thursday – Jesus washes feet and shares the Last Supper.
- Good Friday – He’s crucified.
- Holy Saturday – Silence. Waiting. The tomb is sealed.
- Easter Sunday – Jesus is alive.
That’s the flow of Holy Week.
It’s not just about knowing the schedule—it’s about stepping into the story.
When Does Holy Week Start?
Here’s the simple answer: Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday.
In 2025, that’s April 13.
It ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
And here’s a quick Holy Week schedule for 2025:
| Day | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | April 13, 2025 | Jesus enters Jerusalem |
| Holy Monday | April 14, 2025 | Jesus cleanses the temple |
| Holy Tuesday | April 15, 2025 | Jesus teaches in the temple |
| Spy Wednesday | April 16, 2025 | Judas plots betrayal |
| Maundy Thursday | April 17, 2025 | The Last Supper |
| Good Friday | April 18, 2025 | Crucifixion of Jesus |
| Holy Saturday | April 19, 2025 | Jesus lies in the tomb |
| Easter Sunday | April 20, 2025 | Resurrection of Jesus |
Why Palm Sunday?
Because that’s when Jesus enters Jerusalem and everything shifts.
The tension builds.
The crowds cheer, but betrayal is coming.
That’s where the Passion story begins.
When Is Holy Week in Future Years?
- 2025: April 13–April 19
- 2026: March 29–April 4
- 2027: March 21–March 27
- 2028: April 9–April 15
Because Easter is based on the lunar calendar, Holy Week dates change every year, but the structure always stays the same.
Holy Week Meaning: Why It Matters
It’s easy to see Holy Week as a set of religious events.
But it’s more than that.
It’s a personal invitation.
It’s God saying, Look at what I’ve done for you.
Holy Week pulls us into the weight of the cross and the hope of the empty tomb.
It’s sorrow and joy.
Betrayal and redemption.
Death and life.
And here’s the thing: You don’t have to just watch from a distance.
You get to walk through it with Him.
How to Prepare for Holy Week
If you’ve never really leaned into Holy Week before, here are a few simple ways to start:
- Read through the Gospel accounts: Try Matthew 21–28 or John 12–20.
- Pray each day: Reflect on what Jesus was doing at this point in the story.
- Attend services: Many churches hold services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
- Fast or give something up: It doesn’t earn you favor—it clears your head.
- Talk about it: Share what you’re learning with a friend or small group.
This isn’t about checking spiritual boxes.
It’s about remembering what love looks like—and how far it went for you.
Final Thoughts: When Does Holy Week Start?
So—when does Holy Week start?
It starts on Palm Sunday, and in 2025, that’s April 13.
But don’t let it just be a date on the calendar.
Let it be a doorway.
Holy Week gives us space to pause, remember, and respond.
Jesus didn’t just live a good life—He died and rose so you could live again.
FAQs
When is Holy Week 2025?
Holy Week in 2025 begins on Sunday, April 13, and ends on Saturday, April 19. It leads up to Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20, 2025.
What are the 7 days of Holy Week in order?
The seven days of Holy Week are: Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
What week does Holy Week begin?
Holy Week begins during the final week of Lent, starting on Palm Sunday and ending the day before Easter Sunday.
What marks the first day of Holy Week?
Palm Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
What’s the difference between Holy Week and Easter week?
Holy Week refers to the week before Easter, focusing on Jesus’ suffering and death. Easter week refers to the week after Easter Sunday, celebrating His resurrection.
What are the 3 most important days during Holy Week?
The three most important days are Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the Crucifixion), and Easter Sunday (the Resurrection). These are often called the Triduum.
What did Jesus do on Holy Thursday?
On Holy Thursday, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, shared the Last Supper, and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before being arrested.
Do you eat meat on Holy Thursday?
While some Christians avoid meat on Holy Thursday as a personal choice or tradition, it’s not required. Good Friday is the day more commonly associated with fasting and abstaining from meat.
What not to do during Holy Week?
Holy Week is a time for reflection, so many believers choose to avoid excessive entertainment, gossip, or anything that distracts from prayer and spiritual focus.
What did Jesus do on Holy Tuesday?
On Holy Tuesday, Jesus taught in the temple, confronted religious leaders, and shared parables about the Kingdom of God and the end times.