Spring in Canada brings longer days, warmer weather, and for many, important religious observances. One of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar is Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of a very busy and meaningful week for millions of people across the country.
If you are planning your calendar for 2026, Palm Sunday falls on March 29.
While it is a day of celebration and tradition, it can sometimes be confusing to keep track of when it happens because the date changes every year. Whether you are new to Canada, exploring your faith, or simply double-checking your schedule, this guide covers everything you need to know. We will look at the history behind the day, how it is observed in Canada, and what you can expect during the week that follows.
The Significance of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a major event in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, an event recorded in all four canonical Gospels. According to biblical accounts, Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, and the crowds gathered to welcome him. They spread their cloaks and palm branches on the ground in front of him, shouting “Hosanna,” which is a Hebrew expression of praise.
This event is significant because it sets the stage for the events of the Passion—the final days of Jesus’ life. It represents a moment of triumph and celebration before the somber events of Good Friday. For believers, it is a day to reflect on kingship, humility, and peace.
Why Palm Branches?
You might wonder why palm branches are the specific symbol for this day. In ancient times, palm branches were symbols of victory, triumph, and peace. By waving them and laying them on the ground, the crowds were treating Jesus like a king or a conquering hero.
In Canada, where palm trees are certainly not native to our climate, churches often import palm fronds for the service. It is common for the congregation to receive these blessed palms to hold during the service and take home afterward.
When Is Palm Sunday 2026?
In 2026, Palm Sunday will be observed on Sunday, March 29.
The date varies each year because it is tied to Easter, which is a “moveable feast.” Easter is calculated based on the lunar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. Palm Sunday is always celebrated exactly one week before Easter Sunday.
Because the date shifts, it can land anywhere between mid-March and mid-April. In 2026, it falls relatively early in the spring season.
Eastern Orthodox Observance
It is important to note that many Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used by Western churches. This often results in different dates for Easter and Palm Sunday.
In 2026, the Orthodox Palm Sunday will fall on April 5, one week after the Western observance. Canada is home to vibrant Greek, Ukrainian, and Russian Orthodox communities, so you may see celebrations occurring on different weekends depending on the tradition being followed.
Is Palm Sunday a Public Holiday in Canada?
This is a very common question for those planning their work or school week.
Palm Sunday is not a statutory public holiday in Canada.
Because it always falls on a Sunday, most government offices, banks, and schools are already closed. However, for businesses that are typically open on Sundays, such as retail stores, grocery stores, and restaurants, it is business as usual. Public transit systems generally run on their regular Sunday schedules.
While it is not a paid holiday, it is a widely recognized religious observance. You can expect churches to be fuller than usual, and you may see processions in some neighbourhoods near places of worship.
How is Palm Sunday Observed in Canada?
Canada is a multicultural nation, and this diversity is reflected in how religious days are celebrated. However, there are common threads that unite Christian communities on this day.
The Distribution of Palms
The most visible tradition is the blessing and distribution of palm leaves. At the beginning of the church service (Mass or Liturgy), the priest or minister blesses the palms. They are then given to the congregation.
Many people engage in the craft of folding these long palm fronds into small crosses. These palm crosses are often kept in homes throughout the year as a reminder of faith. In some traditions, the old palms from the previous year are burned to create the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services, completing a full annual cycle.
Processions
Some churches hold a procession either inside the church or outdoors if the Canadian weather permits. This reenacts the entry into Jerusalem. The congregation, choir, and clergy walk together, singing hymns and waving their palms. Given that March 29 can still be quite chilly in many parts of Canada, outdoor processions might be brief!
The Reading of the Passion
The tone of the service often shifts from the joy of the entry into Jerusalem to the solemnity of the week ahead. It is common for the Gospel reading on this day to recount the “Passion of the Christ”—the story of Jesus’ suffering and death. This prepares the congregation for the serious reflection of Holy Week.
Understanding Holy Week
Palm Sunday is just the beginning. It kicks off what is known as Holy Week, the most sacred week in the Christian year. Here is a quick timeline of what follows Palm Sunday 2026:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (March 30 – April 1): These days are traditionally for reflection and preparation.
- Maundy Thursday (April 2): This day commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples and established the sacrament of Communion. It also remembers the washing of the disciples’ feet, a symbol of service.
- Good Friday (April 3): This is a very significant day marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Good Friday is a statutory holiday across all of Canada. Schools, government offices, and many businesses will be closed.
- Holy Saturday (April 4): A day of quiet waiting. Many churches hold a late-night service called the Easter Vigil.
- Easter Sunday (April 5): The celebration of the resurrection. This is a joyous day filled with feasts, family gatherings, and chocolate eggs.
Connecting with Loved Ones
Holidays and religious observances are often times when we miss family the most, especially if they live far away. For many newcomers to Canada or those with family overseas, Palm Sunday and Easter are times to reconnect.
Technology makes it easier to share these moments. You might video call your family to show them your palm cross or send money home to help them prepare for their own Easter feasts. Sharing these traditions, even from a distance, keeps the bond strong. It is a time to check in, share stories, and ensure the people you care about feel supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Palm Sunday in Canada.
Can I take time off work for Palm Sunday?
Since Palm Sunday falls on a weekend, most people who work Monday to Friday are already off. If you work on Sundays, you do not automatically get the day off as it is not a statutory holiday. However, Canadian human rights laws generally require employers to accommodate religious observances up to the point of undue hardship. If you need the time off for church services, speak to your employer well in advance.
What colors are associated with Palm Sunday?
The liturgical colour for Palm Sunday is usually red or purple. Red symbolizes the passion and blood of Christ, while purple represents Lent and penance. You will often see the clergy wearing these colours during the service.
Do I have to be a church member to attend?
Most Christian churches in Canada welcome visitors. Palm Sunday is a high-attendance day, so there are usually many guests. If you are curious about the service or looking for a community, it is a good day to visit.
What happens to the palms after Sunday?
The palms are considered blessed objects in many traditions. People typically take them home and place them behind a crucifix, a religious picture, or a mirror. They are usually kept until the following year.
Is there special food for Palm Sunday?
There is no specific “Palm Sunday food” in Canada like there is for Easter (ham, turkey, chocolate). However, traditionally, many people sought to eat lighter meals like fish or vegetables, as it falls during the season of Lent. Today, many families simply enjoy a nice Sunday brunch or dinner together after church.
Looking Ahead to Spring
Palm Sunday 2026 on March 29 serves as a spiritual gateway into spring and the Easter season. It is a day of mixed emotions—joyous celebration and solemn preparation. Whether you are observing deeply held religious traditions or simply enjoying the cultural aspects of the season, it is a time that highlights community and renewal.
As we move through the dark winter months of early 2026, having this date on the calendar is a reminder that spring is around the corner. It is an opportunity to gather with community, reflect on personal values, and prepare for the celebrations of Easter.