It is called a moveable feast because it does not come on a set date every year as most holidays do. The western Christian churches celebrate it on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21. So it is coming on 27thMarch this year.
Basically, Easter is an entire season, not a single day. This is the 40-day period called as lent, which leads up to Easter Sunday. It is the time of reflection and penance and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry, a time in which Christians believe he survived various temptations by the devil.
The day before Lent, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, is a last hurrah of food and fun before the fasting begins.
The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week and includes Maundy Thursday, which commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples; Good Friday, which honors the day of his crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, which focuses on the transition between the crucifixion and resurrection.
The 50-day period following Easter Sunday is called Eastertide and includes a celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
