Full List of Countries That Do Not Observe Easter in 2026
- Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays, but not every country marks it on their calendar
- In 2026, several nations will not observe Easter due to religious, cultural, or constitutional reasons
- From Muslim-majority states to countries where Buddhism, Shinto, or Confucian traditions dominate, these nations follow different paths of faith and celebration
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Christians, like followers of other faiths, have special days marked in their calendars each year. Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Gregorian calendar, celebrated with prayers, church services, and family gatherings.
It begins on Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and continues through Holy Week, ending with the commemoration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Source: Getty Images
Yet, not all countries recognise Easter. In 2026, several nations will not observe the holiday, mainly due to religious and constitutional reasons.
Why Some countries do not celebrate Easter
According to Kenya's Daily Star and Gale, Easter is rooted in Christianity, but many countries are dominated by other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Taoism. In some nations, laws prohibit the propagation of religions other than the state religion, while others simply do not include Easter in their cultural or national calendar.
Muslim-majority countries that do not observe Easter
- Somalia – Islam is the state religion, and propagation of other faiths is prohibited by law.
- Mauritania – Defined as an Islamic republic, with strict laws against blasphemy and apostasy.
- Algeria – Islam is the state religion, with 99% of the population being Sunni Muslim.
- Libya – Islam is the state religion, though Christians and Jews are allowed limited freedom of worship.
- Uzbekistan – 93% of the population are Muslim, and Christian practices are restricted.
- Kazakhstan – Muslim majority (70%), with restrictions on Christian activities.
- Qatar – Predominantly Muslim, with limited Christian presence.
Asian countries with other dominant religions
- China – Buddhism, Taoism, and other faiths dominate; Christians (about 1%) celebrate privately.
- South Korea – Christmas and New Year are celebrated, but Holy Week is not widely recognised.
- Japan – Shinto is the majority religion, with no national observance of Easter.
- Vietnam – Buddhism is the most widespread religion, followed by Confucianism and Taoism.
Contrast with Christian-majority nations
In African countries where Christianity is the majority religion, Easter is celebrated with national holidays, church attendance, and festive gatherings. This highlights the cultural and religious diversity across the world.
Source: Getty Images
Nigerian government to declare public holidays for Easter
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior will declare a nationwide public holiday across all entities to mark Good Friday and Easter 2026, potentially creating an extended break for all employees when combined with the weekend. The official announcement is expected early in April 2026, and it will be the only two national public holidays in Nigeria for the month.
Work in ministries, government agencies, parastatals, and other public institutions will be suspended on Friday, April 3, 2026, with normal operations resuming on Monday, April 6, which coincides with Easter 2026.
Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, will be observed as statutory public holidays nationwide. The dates mark Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively. In Nigeria, Easter is traditionally celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and social events.
Source: Legit.ng
