The Easter holidays are the next big break on the horizon for millions of people keen to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation. Workers normally get two bank holidays during the period, with Good Friday and Easter Monday signalling a four-day weekend. School children get an even longer break, enjoying two weeks away from the classroom on average. Although the holy holiday is a time of reflection for Christians, many youngsters love the chance to eat lots of Easter eggs.
When do UK school holidays start – what date is Easter break?
The 2019 Easter bank holiday dates are:
Good Friday – Friday, April 19
Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 21
Easter Monday – Monday, April 22
A large number of schools will have between Monday, April 8 and Monday, April 22 off.
Dates will vary according to individual schools so parents or guardians are advised to check the Government’s School term and holiday dates website.
The tool is available in England and Wales, but you can do the same for schools in Scotland.
Just follow the link and type in the postcode of where you live.
Alternatively, visit your local council website if your child attends a state school or look on the school’s website instead.
Why does Easter change every year?
Easter can fall any time between March 22 and April 25 as it is a moveable holiday.
The Christian festival, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus, occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring equinox.
The Spring equinox usually falls on March 20 or 21.
But as the full moon can change according to individual time zones, the church calculates Easter as being the 14th day of the lunar month instead, known as the Paschal Full Moon.
This means Easter Day is usually held on the following Sunday.
The earliest Easter in recent years was marked on March 23, more than ten years ago in 2008.