Easter Sunday

Easter is observed as a significant religious holiday by Christians around the world to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. In Australia, like elsewhere, this solemn and joyous occasion is marked with church services, family gatherings, and various traditional customs. Additionally, Easter has also developed a secular aspect that includes activities such as the Easter Bunny and egg hunts, enjoyed by many Australians irrespective of their religious affiliations.

While Christians in Australia observe Easter in accordance with the Western Christian calendar, the occasion has a unique history in the country. Initially brought by British settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the observance has evolved to reflect the diverse multicultural character of modern Australia. Today, Easter can mean different things to different communities across Australia, from the deeply religious to the celebratory social, and serves as a reflection of the nation’s cultural diversity.

In Australia, Easter is typically observed over a four-day long weekend, starting from Good Friday and concluding on Easter Monday - both are public holidays nationwide. Church services form an important part of the observance, with many attending sunrise services on Easter Sunday. Social events that are particularly popular include Easter egg hunts and the Sydney Royal Easter Show, a two-week-long annual event featuring agricultural competitions, animal shows, shopping, and entertainment. Easter typically falls between 22 March and 25 April, with the precise date varying each year based on the lunar calendar.