While it may be hard to believe we are already mid-way through March, we have some even more shocking news to deliver concerning the pace of the year thus far: have you realised Easter is next month? It's forgivable if not. Unsure how of how to spend the weekend or when you will actually be celebrating? We've broken down the Easter weekend in 2022 and the key dates for both Christian and Orthodox Easter festivities.
When is Christian Easter in 2022?
Christian Easter is held on Sunday, April 17, meaning the long weekend begins on Friday, April 14. 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 March 22 and April 25, ANZAC Day.
When is Orthodox Easter in 2022?
Orthodox Easter is not always held on the same weekend as Catholic Easter. In 2022, Orthodox Easter is the weekend following, with Sunday April 24 Easter Sunday. While public holidays aren’t observed for Orthodox Easter, fortunately in 2022, Monday April 25 is a national public holiday for ANZAC Day.
Orthodox Easter occasionally falls the same weekend as Christian Easter, and we will see this again in 2025 when both denominations celebrate the holy day of Easter Sunday on April 20. For Orthodox communities, Easter will always fall between April 4 and May 8.
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 Queen’s Birthday or Christmas Day.
For Christians, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon occurring on – or just after – the equinox. In 2022, this occurs on March 20 and the first full moon after that date is on April 16, Easter Saturday. Thus, Easter is observed on the subsequent Sunday, April 17. In Christian calendars, the first full moon is called the Paschal Full Moon and Christians abide by the Gregorian calendar.
For Orthodox communities, they follow the Julian calendar, differing from the Gregorian calendar by 13 days. This often results in the date range of Easter deviating from Christian counterparts.
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 2022, you may even spot a real life royal upon your visit. The Queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, has been announced as a guest of honour at this year’s event, running at the Sydney Showgrounds.
An ideal way to welcome the long weekend in Melbourne is with a hot air balloon and breakfast experience, taking in sweeping views of the city and outskirts from the skies above. An early start truly worth the alarm.
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Channel your inner Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and get ready to stomp on some divots at the Vale Polo Classic this Easter Saturday in Adelaide. Held in the picturesque McLaren Vale wine region, enjoy a day filled with polo, Peroni and pizza from local favourites, Pizzateca.
Across the Nullarbor in Western Australia, enjoy the delights on show at the Fremantle International Arts Series just south of Perth. Wild Freo sees animals take over urban areas in an immersive experience for families, encouraging audiences to reflect on how humans and animals coexist.
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Those visiting Brisbane this Easter are spoiled for choice with many festivities happening across the city organised by the council, however a stand out offering is a trip to Moreton Bay for a cruise taking in the pristine sights and feeding dolphins.
The Haig Park Village Markets are a must in Canberra this Easter long weekend, a go-to destination to pick up fresh produce on the way to visit those closest and enjoy a meal. Or, if you’re in Hobart for the weekend, why not indulge in a wooden spoon carving workshop? An experience sure to be both stimulating and allowing you to take a piece of the weekend home with you for good.
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