Christians around the world have been blessed with Easter celebrations being slightly different this year.
Millions looking to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ will mark the moment on April 20.
The Easter Act of 1928 had looked to standardise celebrations in Britain to the Sunday following the second Saturday in April, sandwiching festivities between April 9 and April 15.
However, as with most years, Easter is often celebrated on different dates for Western and Orthodox Christians.
The Easter candle is processed through the Cathedral at the special service of Easter readings
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The earliest date Western Christians, who follow the Gregorian calendar, celebrated Easter was March 22 all the way back in 1818, with the latest day for festivities arrive coming on April 25 in 1943.
Meanwhile, Julian calendar-following Christians from the Orthodox Church waited until April 4 in 1915 and 2010 for early celebrations.
Late Orthodox celebrations were last ushered in on May 8 in 1983.
Despite the Julian calendar falling 13 days behind its Gregorian rival, the Eastern Orthodox Church’s 230 million members will mark Easter on the same date as other believers in 2025.
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A stock image of a girl collecting Easter eggs
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The coincidental marrying up of dates last occured in 2017, with Christians needing to wait until 2034 for the same occasion.
However, this year will see Orthodox communities from Greece to Cyprus and Russia to Ukraine share festivities with those from Western denominations in Britain and the United States.
Easter celebrations in Britain will also ensure children receive a short break from the classroom.
Pupils are expected to return to classrooms on Tuesday, April 22. It remains important to note that holiday schedules can vary significantly by region.
Parents are advised to check with their children’s schools for specific term dates. This two-week break comes relatively soon after the February half-term that families have just navigated.
The Lazarus Epitaph is being carried through Larnaca, Cyprus
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Despite England, Wales and Northern Ireland having the opportunity to formally mark the resurrection, Scotland does not officially recognise Easter as a bank holiday weekend.
However, some local authorities hand the occasion informal recognition due to its religious significance. Most schools in the UK will observe Easter holidays from April 7 to April 21, 2025.
Easter festivities were ushered in earlier this week, with Shrove Tuesday’s traditional pancake celebrations marking the moment.
Millions of Christians also welcomed the first day of lent on Ash Wednesday earlier today.
