First day of Passover in Australia

Passover (Pesach) in Australia lasts for eight days. Many Jewish people mark Passover with family members and close friends. Communal celebrations are held in some rural and regional areas.

Is First day of Passover a Public Holiday?

First day of Passover is not a public holiday. It falls on Saturday, April 20, 2019 and most businesses follow regular Saturday opening hours in Australia.

What Do People Do?

Many Jewish people in Australia celebrate Passover at home with family and close friends. People are also encouraged to invite someone into their home who would otherwise not be able to take part in the celebrations. Some people choose to spend the whole Passover period in a Jewish resort or retreat at a hotel. Apart from Seders (celebratory meals), people can take part in educational activities and lectures on Jewish life and culture and sports.

In some rural areas, communal celebratory meals (Seders) are held. These give Jewish people living a long way from Jewish communities a chance to take a full part in the Passover celebrations. Extra Seders are held in Byron Bay, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Darwin and Fremantle.

Public Life

Passover is not a public holiday in Australia. However, some Jewish businesses and organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service over the Passover period.

Background and symbols

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

About First day of Passover in other countries

Note: Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday.