When is Passover?
Passover (Pesach) is on Apr 1 – Apr 9, 2026. Here's what it means and how to observe it.
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Apr 1 – Apr 9, 2026
What it is
Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is an eight-day festival beginning with the Seder meal.
Origin
Instituted in Exodus 12, when the Angel of Death 'passed over' Israelite homes marked with lamb's blood.
How to observe
Hold a Seder on the first two nights — read the Haggadah, eat matzah, drink four cups of wine. Avoid chametz (leavened grain) all eight days.
Passover (Pesach) dates 2025–2030
- 2026Apr 1 – Apr 9, 2026
- 2027Apr 21 – Apr 29, 2027
- 2028Apr 10 – Apr 18, 2028
Popular questions about Passover (Pesach)
When is Passover (Pesach) 2026?
Passover (Pesach) 2026 is on Apr 1 – Apr 9, 2026.
Why does the date of Passover (Pesach) change every year?
Instituted in Exodus 12, when the Angel of Death 'passed over' Israelite homes marked with lamb's blood.
How do people observe Passover (Pesach)?
Hold a Seder on the first two nights — read the Haggadah, eat matzah, drink four cups of wine. Avoid chametz (leavened grain) all eight days.
Is Passover (Pesach) a public holiday?
Passover (Pesach) is a major Jewish observance. Whether it is a public holiday depends on your country — in the US it is not federally recognized as a day off, but many Jewish schools and businesses close.