It's hard to believe we've already entered March. But we have some even more shocking news to deliver: have you realised Easter is next month?
Yes, Easter is just around the corner. Unsure how of how to spend the weekend, or when you will actually be celebrating? We've broken down the Easter weekend in 2025 and the key dates for both Catholic and Orthodox Easter festivities.
When is Catholic Easter in 2025?
This year, Catholic Easter is held on Sunday 20 April – meaning the long weekend begins Friday 18 April, which is the date of Good Friday. Note: Easter Saturday is not a public holiday, however, Easter Monday is.
Easter is a unique public holiday in the sense that it is a moveable feast, and doesn’t have one fixed date. In saying this, Catholic Easter will always be held between the dates of 22 March and 25 April (ANZAC Day). But, Orthodox Easter can be later.
Why does the date of Easter change? How is the date of Easter determined?
As is the case with both denominations, Easter doesn’t follow a predetermined schedule like other public holiday’s including Labour Day, the King’s Birthday or Christmas Day.
This is because Easter is determined by the timing of the equinox and Full Moon. Catholic Easter falls on the Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon. This is the first Full Moon following the autumn equinox (or vernal equinox for those in the Northern hemisphere). With the autumn equinox on 20 March this year and our next Full Moon on 12 April, this has led to a slightly later Easter in 2025.
When is Orthodox Easter in 2025?
Orthodox Easter is not always held on the same weekend as Catholic Easter. For Orthodox communities, Easter will always fall between 4 April and 8 May. In 2025, Orthodox Easter coincides with Catholic Easter, falling on 20 April.
The reason Orthodox Easter and Catholic Easter don't always occur on the same day is because Catholics and most Christians follow the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox denominations follow the Julian calendar – which differs from the Gregorian one by 13 days. Additionally, Orthodox Easter must fall after Jewish Passover.
What’s on across Australia this Easter weekend?
If you find yourself in Sydney this Easter weekend, a visit to the Royal Easter Show is a must and in 2025, you'll find all the rides and attractions we know and love from this iconic event.
Of course there are plenty of other things to see and do – check out our guide for what to do in March to see what's on in your state.
