Dates of Holy Saturday in Australia
| 2026 | Apr 4 |
| 2025 | Apr 19 |
| 2024 | Mar 30 |
Related Holidays in Australia
Australia Holiday Calendars
Holy Saturday is a quiet day of reflection and anticipation, marking the time between Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Many Australians observe it with prayer, church services, and preparation for Easter Sunday celebrations.
Holy Saturday: A Public Holiday?
Holy Saturday is a public holiday in most of Australia, including the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria, where many businesses and schools remain closed. However, Western Australia and Tasmania do not officially recognize it, and businesses generally operate as usual.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Saturday, has been observed in Australia since the arrival of Christianity with European settlers. It marks the day between Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In Christian tradition, it is a day of waiting, reflection, and preparation. Early Australian churches followed European customs, holding silent vigils and special prayers to honor the solemn occasion.
Over time, Holy Saturday became a recognized part of the Easter celebrations in Australia. While its religious significance remains, it has also developed cultural traditions. Many people use the day for quiet reflection, final Easter preparations, or spending time with family. It is also a public holiday in most states, allowing people to rest before the Easter Sunday festivities. Today, Holy Saturday continues to hold religious and cultural importance across Australia.
Observance on Holy Saturday in Australia
Holy Saturday is observed with a mix of religious and personal traditions across Australia. Many churches hold evening vigils or special services where worshippers reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and anticipate his resurrection. These services often include scripture readings, prayers, and candlelight ceremonies symbolizing hope and renewal. Some churches bless Easter water, which is used for baptisms and other religious rituals.
For many Australians, Holy Saturday is also a quiet day of preparation. Families use the time to prepare for Easter Sunday by decorating homes, preparing meals, or organizing Easter egg hunts for children. Markets and shops often remain open, allowing people to buy last-minute Easter treats and gifts. Some communities hold Easter fairs, bringing people together for food, games, and social activities.
The importance of Holy Saturday lies in its meaning of patience, reflection, and transition. It is a bridge between the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday. For Christians, it represents faith and hope, while for others, it is a time for family and tradition. Whether through worship or personal customs, Holy Saturday remains an integral part of Australia's Easter celebrations.
Holy Saturday Observances
| Year | Date | Weekday | Name | Holiday Type | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mar 30 | Sat | Holy Saturday | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland , SA South Australia , Vic Victoria |
| 2025 | Apr 19 | Sat | Holy Saturday | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland , SA South Australia , Vic Victoria |
| 2026 | Apr 4 | Sat | Holy Saturday | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland , SA South Australia , Vic Victoria |
| 2027 | Mar 27 | Sat | Holy Saturday | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland , SA South Australia , Vic Victoria |
| 2028 | Apr 15 | Sat | Holy Saturday | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland , SA South Australia , Vic Victoria |
