The Annual Holy Days
The seven annual Holy Days reveal God’s plan of salvation for mankind—from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the final resurrection and the creation of the new heavens and new earth.
Why Christians Observe the Holy Days
The annual Holy Days, also called God’s appointed feasts, were ordained by God and observed by ancient Israel according to the calendar He gave them. The beginning of each biblical month is determined by that calendar, and each day is counted from evening to evening.
The New Testament records continued observance of these festivals by Jesus Christ, the apostles, and the early Church. Modern Christians continue to observe them because each festival illustrates an essential stage in God’s purpose for mankind.
“These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.”
— Leviticus 23:4
Plan, Learn, and Prepare
Use these resources to prepare for the Holy Days, request documentation for school absences, and explore additional biblical teaching.
Holy Day Excused Absence Letter
View or print a letter explaining student absences for annual Holy Day observance.
View the letter → Free by RequestOrder a Holy Day Calendar
Email Church headquarters to request the current printed calendar or an available pocket planner.
Request a calendar → Recipe CollectionUnleavened Bread Recipes
Browse recipes submitted for use during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Browse the recipes →The Meaning of Each Holy Day
Taken together, the spring and fall festivals form a chronological picture of God’s work through Jesus Christ and His plan for all humanity.
The Passover
The Passover, observed by Christians as the Lord’s Supper, symbolizes the foundation of salvation. Each year Christians reaffirm their acceptance of Christ’s broken body and shed blood and renew their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Key references: Exodus 12; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29
Passover resources and service outlines →Days of Unleavened Bread
The Days of Unleavened Bread picture Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life. Eating unleavened bread emphasizes Christ living within the repentant Christian and the continuing process of putting sin out of one’s life.
Key references: Exodus 12:15–20; John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8
Pentecost
Pentecost, also called the Feast of Firstfruits, shows that God is calling a firstfruits harvest in this age. Its New Testament observance recalls the giving of the Holy Spirit and points toward a much greater harvest still to come.
Key references: Leviticus 23:15–22; Acts 2:1–4; James 1:18
Learn more about Pentecost →Feast of Trumpets
The Feast of Trumpets pictures the warnings and announcements of God, the trumpet plagues described in prophecy, and the final great trumpet announcing the return of Jesus Christ.
Key references: Leviticus 23:23–25; Matthew 24:30–31; Revelation 8–11
Learn more about Trumpets →Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement is the annual fast day among the Holy Days. It depicts the world becoming at one with God through Christ’s atoning work and the removal of Satan’s influence over the nations.
Key references: Leviticus 16; Leviticus 23:26–32; Revelation 20:1–3
Learn more about Atonement →Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles reminds human beings that physical life is a temporary dwelling while looking forward to permanent life and positions of responsibility in God’s Kingdom under the reign of Jesus Christ.
Key references: Leviticus 23:33–44; Zechariah 14:16–19; John 7:2–10
The Last Great Day
The Last Great Day pictures the Great White Throne Judgment, the final general resurrection, and the completion of God’s plan. It leads into the new heavens and new earth described in the final chapters of Revelation.
Key references: John 7:37–38; Revelation 20:11–15; Revelation 21–22
Learn more about the Last Great Day →Holy Days Calendar
Dates below follow the calendar currently published by the Intercontinental Church of God. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens to view every column.
| Year | Passover* | Unleavened Bread | Pentecost | Trumpets | Atonement | Tabernacles | Last Great Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 1 | April 2–8 | May 24 | September 12 | September 21 | September 26–October 2 | October 3 |
| 2027 | April 21 | April 22–28 | June 13 | October 2 | October 11 | October 16–22 | October 23 |
| 2028 | April 10 | April 11–17 | June 4 | September 21 | September 30 | October 5–11 | October 12 |
| 2029 | March 30 | March 31–April 6 | May 20 | September 10 | September 19 | September 24–30 | October 1 |
| 2030 | April 17 | April 18–24 | June 9 | September 28 | October 7 | October 12–18 | October 19 |
| 2031 | April 7 | April 8–14 | June 1 | September 18 | September 27 | October 2–8 | October 9 |
| 2032 | March 26 | March 27–April 2 | May 16 | September 6 | September 15 | September 20–26 | September 27 |
| 2033 | April 13 | April 14–20 | June 5 | September 24 | October 3 | October 8–14 | October 15 |
*Passover is observed the evening before the listed date, at sundown. Biblical days begin and end at sunset.
Request a Holy Day Calendar
Email Church headquarters to request the current printed calendar free of charge. Pocket planners may also be available. Include your name and complete mailing address in the message.