Easter & the Christian calendar · in 350 days
When is Pentecost?
Pentecost 2027 is on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
Pentecost 2027 falls on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit, 50 days after Easter. Also called Whitsunday.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 21. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Pentecost
Pentecost takes its name from the Greek word for "fiftieth day" and falls 50 days after Easter. It commemorates the New Testament account in Acts 2 of the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles, traditionally seen as the birthday of the Christian Church. It's one of the three major feasts of the Christian year alongside Christmas and Easter. The English name Whitsunday ("White Sunday") refers to the white robes worn by those newly baptised on the day.
Also known as: Whitsunday, Pentecost Sunday, Whit Sunday
How Pentecost is celebrated
Special church services often feature red vestments to symbolise the fire of the Holy Spirit. In Italy, rose petals are sometimes dropped from church ceilings. The day after, Whit Monday, is a public holiday in much of Europe including Germany, France and Austria.
Did you know?
Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Christian Church.
Whit Monday is a public holiday in much of Europe, including Germany, France, Belgium and Austria.
Red is the liturgical colour, symbolising the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost in upcoming years
How the date is set
49 days after Easter Sunday.
Because all of these dates pivot on Easter, they shift together each year. See the Easter page for the rule that anchors the whole cycle.
Related dates
Pentecost: questions and answers
When is Pentecost 2027?
Pentecost 2027 falls on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
What day of the week is Pentecost this year?
In 2026, Pentecost is a Sunday, May 24.
How is the date of Pentecost determined?
49 days after Easter Sunday.