Passover, or Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, celebrated annually in spring. It begins at sundown on the 15th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling between late March and late April in the Gregorian calendar.

Dates in 2026

This year, Passover 2026 starts at nightfall on April 1 and ends at nightfall on April 9 for Diaspora communities (like in the US), spanning eight days.

In Israel, it lasts seven days, ending April 8. The first Seder meal occurs on April 1 after sunset, with a second Seder on April 2 outside Israel.

How It's Calculated

Passover aligns with the lunar-solar Hebrew calendar, starting on a full moon near the spring equinox. The 15th of Nisan always begins at sunset the prior evening, ensuring it falls on specific weekdays for tradition.

Hebrew days run sunset to sunset, so preparations like chametz (leaven) removal peak just before.

Year| Start Date (Sundown)| End Date (Nightfall)| Seder Nights
---|---|---|---
2025| April 12| April 20| Apr 12-13
2026| April 1| April 9| Apr 1-2
2027| April 21| April 29| Apr 21-22
2028| April 10| April 18| Apr 10-11

Key Traditions

  • Seder Meals : Ritual dinners retell the Exodus story via the Haggadah, with matzah, bitter herbs, wine, and symbolic foods.
  • No Chametz : Unleavened bread only, evoking the hasty escape from slavery.
  • Storytelling Focus : Families discuss freedom's themes, often linking to modern liberation narratives.

Imagine families worldwide gathering this week—April 1 sunset kicks off Seders with songs, questions from kids ("Why is this night different?"), and poignant tales of resilience, blending ancient ritual with personal stories passed down generations.

Variations by Community

Orthodox Jews keep strict rules, like two Seders; Reform may streamline to one. In Israel, it's a public holiday with matzah everywhere; Diaspora adds an extra day for historical reasons.

Travel programs surge now, with Jews joining global Seders amid rising interest post-2025 trends.

TL;DR : Passover 2026: April 1-9 (Diaspora), Seders April 1-2. A vibrant spring festival of freedom!

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.