The day of waiting at the tomb, before the Easter Vigil opens the Resurrection feast.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Reckoning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 19, 2025 | ||
| 2026 | April 4, 2026 |
Recurrence: Western Easter computus (the day before Easter Sunday).
Significance
Holy Saturday is the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection, when the Church waits at the tomb. Tradition holds that Christ descended to the dead, the Harrowing of Hell, to free the righteous who had gone before him. No Mass is celebrated during the day; the Easter Vigil after nightfall opens the feast of the Resurrection.
Observance
The Church keeps a quiet day of waiting without Mass, and after nightfall gathers for the Easter Vigil.