First day of Passover in United Kingdom

Passover (Pesach) lasts for eight days in the United Kingdom. Many Jewish people in the United Kingdom spend the Passover period with family members or close friends and attend special communal meals known as Seders.

Ceremonial meals are held during Passover.

©iStockphoto.com/Stella Levi

What do people do?

Many people spend the Passover period with family and close friends. They eat ceremonial meals, known as Seders and make a special effort to cook traditional Jewish food. They also invite other Jewish people, particularly the poor, frail or live alone.

Many communities, especially in London and Manchester, organize communal Seders. These are held in community halls, synagogues, private homes and hotels. Some people choose to take a vacation to at a Jewish-run hotel during the Passover period. France, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are popular destinations for retreats during Passover.

Public life

Passover is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, some Jewish businesses and organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service during the Passover period.

Background and symbols

Passover is related to the Christian observances of Good Friday and Easter Sunday and the Islamic Day of Ashura. Read about other Jewish observances, such as Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day), Purim, Yom HaShoah, Lag B'Omer, Shavuot, Tisha B'Av and Rosh Hashana.

About First day of Passover in other countries

First day of Passover Observances

Other holidays in March 2013 in United Kingdom

• St. David's Day ―Friday, March 1, 2013
• Mothering Sunday ―Sunday, March 10, 2013
• St Patricks Day ―Sunday, March 17, 2013
• St Patricks Day ―Monday, March 18, 2013
• March equinox ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, March 28, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, March 31, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time starts ―Sunday, March 31, 2013