What is Holy Week?

Author: Eli Pacheco

Date Published: April 08, 2025

Holy Week includes the sacred days leading to Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday. During this significant period, Christians reflect on Jesus Christ’s journey – his crucifixion, his jubilant resurrection and his ultimate conquest over sin and death. 

What is Holy Week and why is it celebrated? 

A synopsis of the significant days of Holy Week: 

Palm Sunday 

Christians remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during Passover, a time when the Jewish people recall their liberation from Egyptian rule. According to the Gospels, crowds greeted Jesus by laying cloaks and palm leaves in his path. Matthew 21:5 mentions people calling Jesus the son of David, recognizing him as the one fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and highlighting his role as Son of God and Son of Man. Today, Christians commemorate this day with a procession and distribution of blessed palms. 

Easter Triduum 

The pinnacle of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday evening and ends on Easter Sunday evening. Although it spans three days, it is considered a singular liturgical celebration that reveals the unity within Christ's Paschal Mystery. This period also indicates the end of Lent and transitions into the Easter Vigil, when the Mass of the Resurrection is observed. 

The primary liturgical celebrations during the Triduum include: 

  • The Mass of the Lord's Supper 

  • Good Friday of the Lord's Passion 

  • The Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord 

Maundy Thursday 

Holy Thursday recalls Jesus’ Last Supper, during which he established the priesthood and Holy Communion. He washed his disciples' feet as a gesture of love and humility. Church leaders worldwide now continue this tradition by washing the feet of 12 people. 

Holy Thursday is also known as Maundy Thursday. It derives from “mandatum,” meaning mandate and refers to Jesus’ commandment to love one another. It is also sometimes called Green Thursday, because worshipers may receive a green branch for completing a Lenten penance or Sheer Thursday because of the ceremonial cleaning of altars. 

Good Friday 

Good Friday recalls Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Observed as a day of fasting and repentance, it is also known as Great Friday or Sorrowful Friday. This is a day to honor the cross, Christ’s symbol of sacrifice and salvation, by bowing, kneeling or kissing it. Churches also pray the Stations of the Cross. The liturgy includes a reading of the Gospel Passion and veneration of the cross; communion uses hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday, and no Mass is celebrated. 

Catholic churches hold a special Good Friday collection, Pro Terra Sancta, to aid Christians in the Holy Land, including Franciscan friars. Begun by Pope Paul VI in 1974, this custom is observed globally. 

How Holy Week is determined 

Holy Week's dates change each year because it starts on Palm Sunday, the final week of Lent. Christ's death happened around the Jewish Passover, as noted in the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper. Unlike Christmas, Holy Week shifts each year based on Passover and the lunar calendar. Easter is on the first Sunday after the paschal full moon following March 21, the spring equinox. The paschal full moon occurs just after the spring equinox. 

Different Christian denominations celebrate Holy Week and Easter at different times. In the Catholic Church, Easter falls between March 22 and April 25. 

DID YOU KNOW ... 

St. Nicholas, eventually known as Santa Claus, attended the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, where the date for Easter was set. 

Fasting during Holy Week 

Catholics are called to abstain from meat and to fast on Good Friday. Some choose to abstain from meat all week, although there is no official requirement. During this period, they consume other foods, such as: 

  • Bread 

  • Fish (and other seafood) 

  • Fruit 

  • Grain 

  • Vegetables 

Butter, eggs and milk are allowed. Catholics around the world have long included meatless menus in their Holy Week traditions. 

Did you know ... 

Some bishops allow exceptions for people who can't abstain from meat due to economic reasons. They suggest compensating in other ways, such as: 

  • Giving up favorite foods 

  • Doing charity or mercy work 

  • Making a major sacrifice 

Frequently asked questions 

Is Holy Week a holiday? 

The U.S. Government does not officially honor Holy Week as a holiday; only Christmas Day has federal holiday status among Christian holy days, but these days are considered holidays within the Church. However, many businesses and schools, as well as the New York Stock Exchange and major banks, are closed on Good Friday. 

Where is Holy Week celebrated? 

Holy Week is celebrated wherever there are Christians. As Jesus stated, “For where two or three gather in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:19-20). 

Who celebrates Holy Week? 

Christians celebrate Holy Week, the most sacred time in their calendar, observing Jesus Christ's passion, death and resurrection between Palm Sunday and Easter. 

Does Holy Week have classes? 

There are no classes during Holy Week. Some churches offer programs beforehand to address their significance. We hope this post has clarified its meaning. 

Main Photo by INOCENTE SANCHEZ GUADARRAMA/Pexels