April Cultural Holidays

Categories: Diversity & Inclusion

The month of April is full of many cultural and religious holidays. Learn more about some of the well-known holidays and new ones you may not know.

Passover

Family Passover Dinner Table

Passover is a Jewish holiday and festival that commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

This year, the holiday begins at sundown on April 15 and ends at sunset on April 23. There is a difference in the celebration for the population of Jewish people living outside Israel, who observe Passover for eight days, and those in Israel, who celebrate for seven days.

During Passover, unleavened bread or Matzah is one of the primary foods. Other popular dishes include Haroset (a mixture of fruit, nuts, wine, and cinnamon), Matzah Ball Soup, Potato Kugel, and Passover Brisket.

Wish someone you know a “Happy Passover” using one of the following greetings: “kosher and joyous Passover,” “Happy Pesach,” or “Chag sameach.”

Good Friday

Watching Sunset

Good Friday commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. Celebrated the Friday before Easter by most Christians, this day marks the beginning of the end of Holy Week and Lent.

It isn't clear why "Good Friday" was named this way, but many experts believe that "good" means "holy" rather than the current everyday meaning of the word "good."

Although the origins of this event are somber, Christians find hope that Jesus's death is not the end. His resurrection occurs three days later, marking Easter Sunday.

Other April holidays:

Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday (April 14):

This Christian holiday commemorates the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the crucifixion. It is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter.

Lord’s Evening Meal (April 15):

Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate the Last Supper, known as the Lord’s Evening Meal, believed to have occurred on the first night of Passover in approximately 33 CE.

Easter (April 17):

Easter is a holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’ return from death after the crucifixion.

Orthodox Easter (April 24):

Also called Pascha, Orthodox Easter occurs on a later Easter date than observed by many Western churches.

Yom HaShoah (April 27-28):

This is Israel’s day of remembrance for the approximately 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

Laylat al-Qadr (April 29):

The holiest night of the year for Muslims is traditionally celebrated on the 27th day of Ramadan. It is known as the Night of Power and commemorates the night that the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.

If you are commemorating any of these holidays, we hope you enjoy the time with your family and friends during your celebrations.