Easter break and spring celebrations

As we move through the month of April, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the diverse range of festivals and cultural practices observed across our university community.

This month is particularly significant for Christian observances, with Easter being a central celebration. Easter is a time of reflection and joy for many, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We extend our warmest wishes to all who celebrate this important occasion. 

Christians across the world who follow the Gregorian or Julian calendar, sometimes described as Western and Eastern Christianity, are united this year in celebrating Easter on Sunday 20 April. 

Easter activity

Join in a family-friendly Easter Day of Fun with the Students' Union on Wednesday 16 April, 12.30pm-3pm in the Den, City Campus. Book your £1 ticket. 

Significance of Holy Week

Holy Week is the most sacred period in the Christian calendar, commemorating the final week of Jesus Christ's life, leading up to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. A few of the traditional observances include: 

Palm Sunday: Marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Followers commemorate this event by waving palm branches and participating in procession. 

Maundy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus established the Eucharist. It is traditionally marked by foot-washing ceremonies and special church services.

Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and reflection, often marked by services that include the reading of the Passion narrative

Holy Saturday: A day of waiting and reflection, commemorating Jesus' time in the tomb. Many churches hold an Easter Vigil in the evening, celebrating the resurrection.

Easter Sunday: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, marking the victory over sin and death. It is a day of joy and celebration, often marked by special church services, feasts, and the exchange of Easter eggs. 

Understanding variations in calendars 

The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, corrected inaccuracies in the Julian calendar, which was established by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. The Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. 

Most Western Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics and Protestants, follow the Gregorian calendar (widely used in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe).

Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar for linguistic reasons celebrate Easter based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.  This includes countries like Russia, Greece, and Serbia.

This means that those following the Julian calendar in the UK often miss out on religious Bank Holidays. 

We hope that students and staff for whom Easter is more commonly known as Pascha enjoy the opportunity to fully engage with this special season.

More springtime festivities 

In addition to Easter, April is filled with various other festivals and special days that reflect the rich tapestry of faiths and cultures within our community. 

Recently, we celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, in the Muslim faith, with a vibrant celebration at Walsall Campus. The Festival of Breaking the Fast is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar, marked by communal prayer, feasting, gift giving and charity. 

Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi), this year falls on his year on Monday 14 April. Vasakhi is a vibrant and significant festival celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus, commemorating the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, in 1699. The festival is a time of joy, gratitude, and community spirit, bringing people together to celebrate their cultural heritage and the bountiful harvest.

Nepali New Year 2082, also known as Nava Varsha, is also to be celebrated on Monday 14 April. This marks the beginning of the Bikram Sambat calendar. The festival symbolises renewal, progress, and the change of seasons. Globally, the Nepali New Year is an opportunity for Nepalese diaspora to connect with their roots and share their rich cultural heritage with others. The Students' Union will be hosting a Nepali New Year 2082 Celebration on Monday 7 April, from 6pm at Luna Lounge, City Campus. 

The Jewish festival of Pesach (also known as Passover) will be celebrated from Saturday 12 April to Sunday 20 April. Pesach commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover is a time of great rejoicing, with strict dietary restrictions (including the avoidance of leavened bread) and special prohibitions on work at the beginning and end of the celebration. The festivities commence with a service, Seder, involving a special meal with family and friends, and retelling the story of the Exodus.

Chaplaincy support

The Chaplaincy encourages everyone at the University to get to know the various special days observed by staff and students and be especially mindful when people have to be at work or in class on these days. Helpful information can be found on the SHAP Calendar for Religious Festivals. 

Small grants are available from the Chaplaincy to celebrate festivals and spread understanding of the faiths and beliefs practiced in our diverse religious community.  Email chaplaincy@wlv.ac.uk to learn more.

Easter break

The University will be closed on the following days. 

• Good Friday: 18 April 
• Easter Monday: 21 April 
• Concessionary Day: 22 April 

Given that the University does not fully close at any time, we are especially grateful to colleagues who will be required to work on these dates to maintain essential services. Those working on the discretionary days will be offered time off in lieu. 

The Library will be running a reduced service over the Easter break - check the opening hours here.

Colleagues are advised to set an out-of-office message on your emails while you are away. Please be mindful that many staff members may be taking leave around this time, so response times may be slower, and service capacity may be reduced.