Holy Saturday in Canada

Holy Saturday falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Canada. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death, according to the Christian bible. It is also known as Easter Eve.

Many Christians in Canada remember Holy Saturday as the day before Jesus was resurrected. ©iStockphoto.com/Edward Lin

What do people do?

Many Christians in Canada attend an Easter vigil service on Holy Saturday to mark the end of the Lent period before celebrating Easter. They remember Holy Saturday as the day when Jesus lay in his tomb. Many services are held in the evening of Holy Saturday, where the service begins in darkness and candles are later lit to proclaim Jesus Christ’s rising. Baptisms or renewals of baptismal promises are held in some churches on Holy Saturday.

Many Canadians take time off on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday to enjoy the long Easter weekend. Many people go on a trip to enjoy the short holiday break. Some people stay at resorts, cottages, or motels, while others choose bed and breakfast accommodation packages as part of the long weekend getaway.

Many families prepare Easter eggs on the Saturday before Easter. Children decorate eggs with paint, crayon, water colors, stickers and other material. These eggs are often placed in Easter baskets. Chocolate Easter eggs are popular around this time of the year.

Public Life

Holy Saturday is not a federal public holiday in Canada.

Background and Symbols

Holy Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and ends the season of Lent. It is also known as the Vigil of Easter. Holy Saturday has been observed in Canada for many years. Newspaper articles dating back to the 19th century have been written about Holy Saturday traditions and customs. One article (Winnipeg Free Press, February 24, 1877) discusses a Christian custom of abstaining from meat on Holy Saturday.

One tradition that still has symbolic significance today is lighting candles during the Easter vigil services. The lit candle signifies the light of Jesus Christ, and that he brings light into darkness.  The candle used during the Easter vigil service is known as the Paschal candle.

About Holy Saturday in other countries

Holy Saturday Observances

Related holidays

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, April 5, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012

Other holidays in April 2012 in Canada

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, April 5, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• First day of Passover ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Vimy Ridge Day ―Monday, April 9, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012
• Orthodox Good Friday ―Friday, April 13, 2012
• Last day of Passover ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Orthodox Holy Saturday ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Orthodox Easter ―Sunday, April 15, 2012
• Orthodox Easter Monday ―Monday, April 16, 2012
• Yom HaShoah ―Wednesday, April 18, 2012
• St. George's Day ―Monday, April 23, 2012
• Yom HaAtzmaut ―Thursday, April 26, 2012