Holy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday
A confraternity of penitents leads a Holy Wednesday procession in Villarreal, Spain (2015)
Also calledSpy Wednesday
Good Wednesday
Holy and Great Wednesday
Observed byChristians
TypeChristian
Significancecommemorates the Bargain of Judas and the Parable of the Two Debtors
ObservancesMass; Tenebrae
DateWednesday before Easter
2024 date
  • March 27 (Western)
  • May 1 (Eastern)
2025 date
  • April 16 (Western)
  • April 16 (Eastern)
2026 date
  • April 1 (Western)
  • April 8 (Eastern)
2027 date
  • March 24 (Western)
  • April 28 (Eastern)
Frequencyannual
Related toHoly Week

In Christianity, Holy Wednesday commemorates the Bargain of Judas as a clandestine spy among the disciples. It is also called Spy Wednesday, or Good Wednesday (in Western Christianity), and Great and Holy Wednesday (in Eastern Christianity).

In Western Christianity, many churches of various denominations observe the tenebrae service on Holy Wednesday.