Easter Monday
April 6
About Easter Monday
Easter Monday falls on Monday, 6 April 2026, the day immediately following Easter Sunday. Observed in over 100 countries worldwide, it is a public holiday in much of Europe, Australia, parts of Africa, and several other regions. The day extends the Easter celebration and carries its own distinct traditions, from egg rolling and water-splashing customs to family gatherings and outdoor activities.
The Story Behind Easter Monday
Easter Monday’s roots stretch back more than 1,600 years to the earliest centuries of Christianity. By the third or fourth century, Christians had begun extending the celebration of Easter beyond a single day into an eight-day period known as the “Octave of Easter.” During this octave, Masses and feasts were held every day from Easter Sunday through the following Sunday, with Easter Monday holding a position of particular significance as the day the joy of the Resurrection was first carried into the new week.
In medieval Europe, Easter Monday took on additional layers of meaning. It was sometimes known as “Black Monday,” a name with disputed origins. Some historians attribute this to a military disaster on Easter Monday in 1209 during the Anglo-Norman expedition in Ireland, while others link it to the harsh weather and losses suffered by the English army under Edward III near Paris on Easter Monday 1360. Despite these sombre associations, the day was predominantly one of festivity and community.
The secular traditions of Easter Monday have evolved considerably over the centuries. In many Catholic countries, a custom developed in which boys and men would pour water or perfume over girls and women, a practice said to symbolise cleansing and renewal. In England, egg rolling — the practice of rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hillside — became a cherished Easter Monday activity, with events dating back centuries. Preston in Lancashire hosts one of the oldest known egg-rolling events in the United Kingdom.
Easter Monday became a formal bank holiday in the United Kingdom under the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which designated it as one of four official bank holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland. This status was retained under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. In Scotland, however, Easter Monday is not a bank holiday; only Good Friday is observed. Across the Atlantic, the United States does not designate Easter Monday as a federal holiday, but the annual White House Easter Egg Roll — held on the Monday after Easter since the late 1870s — has made it one of the most recognised Easter Monday events in the world.
When and Where is Easter Monday Celebrated?
Easter Monday falls on Monday, 6 April 2026. Because Easter is calculated based on the lunar calendar — falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox — the date shifts each year.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 6 April |
| 2027 | Monday, 29 March |
| 2028 | Monday, 17 April |
| 2029 | Monday, 2 April |
| 2030 | Monday, 22 April |
Easter Monday is a public holiday in 116 countries, including the United Kingdom (except Scotland), Australia, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Kenya, Ghana, and many more. In the United States, it is not a federal holiday but is widely observed through community events and family gatherings.
Traditions and Customs
Easter Monday traditions vary widely across the globe:
- Egg rolling (United Kingdom and United States) — Hard-boiled eggs are rolled down hillsides or across lawns in competitive and recreational events. The annual White House Easter Egg Roll has been a Washington D.C. tradition since President Rutherford B. Hayes first opened the White House grounds for the event in 1878.
- Smingus-Dyngus (Poland) — Also known as Wet Monday, this custom involves splashing water on friends and family. It originates from a tradition symbolising the baptism of Polish Prince Mieszko I in 966 AD.
- Emmaus Walk (parts of Europe) — Some communities organise walks or pilgrimages on Easter Monday to commemorate the biblical walk to Emmaus, during which two disciples encountered the risen Jesus.
- Family gatherings and meals — In many countries, Easter Monday is simply a day for families to come together, enjoy a meal, and relax after the Easter Sunday celebrations.
- Outdoor activities — With Easter typically falling in spring in the Northern Hemisphere, many people use the bank holiday for walks, picnics, visits to gardens, or short trips away.
Ways to Celebrate Easter Monday
Here are some ideas for marking the day:
- Organise an egg hunt — Hide chocolate eggs around the garden or house for children (and adults) to find. It is one of the most popular Easter Monday activities for families.
- Try egg rolling — Decorate hard-boiled eggs and roll them down a slope. The egg that travels the furthest without cracking wins.
- Enjoy a spring walk — Take advantage of the bank holiday to explore local parks, countryside, or coastal paths. Spring flowers and warmer weather make it ideal for outdoor exploration.
- Cook a special meal — Prepare a traditional Easter roast or try recipes from other cultures that celebrate Easter Monday, such as Italian Pasquetta picnic dishes.
- Visit a local attraction — Many museums, gardens, and heritage sites host special Easter Monday events, from craft workshops to nature trails.
- Donate to charity — Many charitable organisations run Easter appeals. Consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support those in need.
Facts and Figures
- Easter Monday is a public holiday in 116 countries around the world.
- The White House Easter Egg Roll has been held annually since 1878, making it one of the oldest and most enduring American Easter traditions.
- In 2023, the White House Easter Egg Roll attracted approximately 30,000 attendees across its various sessions.
- Preston’s Avenham Park egg rolling event in Lancashire has taken place for over 100 years, drawing thousands of participants each Easter Monday.
- Easter Monday became a UK bank holiday under the Bank Holidays Act 1871 and has remained so ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easter Monday?
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, observed as a public holiday in over 100 countries. It extends the Easter celebration and features traditions including egg rolling, family gatherings, and community events.
When is Easter Monday in 2026?
Easter Monday falls on Monday, 6 April 2026.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in the UK?
Yes, Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Spread the Word
Share your Easter Monday traditions and celebrations on social media using #EasterMonday and #EasterMonday2026. Whether you mark the occasion with an egg hunt, a family roast, or a spring walk, every tradition keeps this holiday alive.
Related Awareness Days
- Good Friday — The solemn Friday before Easter Sunday, observed by Christians worldwide to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Easter Sunday — The central celebration of the Christian liturgical year, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Spring Bank Holiday — The late May bank holiday in the United Kingdom, another popular day for family outings and community events.
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