Days Until Maundy Thursday
Live countdown to the Last Supper, 2026
Days Until Holy Thursday 2026
Liturgy Details
Summary
There are 52 days, 23 hours, and 17 minutes left until Maundy Thursday 2026.
Upcoming Holy Thursdays
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 2 | Thursday | 52 days |
| 2027 | March 25 | Thursday | 409 days |
| 2028 | April 13 | Thursday | 794 days |
| 2029 | March 29 | Thursday | 1144 days |
| 2030 | April 18 | Thursday | 1529 days |
More Tools You Might Like
How Many Days Until My Birthday
Free live countdown to see how many days are left until my birthday.
Go to ToolHow Many Days Until Daytona 500
Free live countdown to see how many days are left until the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.
Go to Tool45 Minute Timer
Use our 45 minute timer to track tasks, workouts, or short activities with an easy and accurate countdown.
Go to ToolThe Night of the Last Supper: Understanding Maundy Thursday
The mood shifts. The celebration of Palm Sunday has faded, and the shadow of the cross looms. We enter the most sacred 72 hours of the Christian year.
If you are searching "How many days until Maundy Thursday?", you are likely preparing for the start of the Paschal Triduum. It is a night of profound intimacy, deep humility, and the institution of the Eucharist. Whether you are planning to attend the Mass of the Lord's Supper or simply want to understand the origins of Holy Week traditions, this is your guide.
Our Live Maundy Thursday Countdown Tool above tracks the moments until the sun sets on Thursday, marking the beginning of the end. But beyond the timer, we will explore the meaning of the "Mandatum," why priests wash feet, and the global customs that make this night so unique.
When is Maundy Thursday 2026? (April 2, 2026)
Maundy Thursday is a movable feast, meaning its date changes every year based on the lunar calendar calculation for Easter.
🗓️ The Triduum Rule
Maundy Thursday is always the Thursday before Easter Sunday.
- Timing: It falls between March 19 and April 22.
- Significance: It marks the end of Lent (technically) and the beginning of the Easter Triduum (The Three Days: Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday).
Because it depends on the full moon (Paschal Moon), calculating it manually is tricky. Our tool does the math for you.
Why is it Called "Maundy"?
The name sounds strange to modern ears. It has nothing to do with "Monday."
The Mandatum: The word comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning "commandment." At the Last Supper, after washing his disciples' feet, Jesus said:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34)
The New Commandment: This "Maundy" or "Mandate" is the central theme of the day. It isn't just about the meal; it's about the radical service and love that Jesus demonstrated before his death.
Holy Thursday: In many traditions, it is simply called Holy Thursday or Covenant Thursday.
What Happened on This Night?
The liturgy of Maundy Thursday commemorates three specific events that occurred in the Upper Room.
The Eucharist
Jesus broke bread and shared wine, instituting the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The Priesthood
By commanding "Do this in memory of me," he established the ministerial priesthood.
The Service
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, setting an example of humble servant leadership.
Your Countdown Strategy: Traditions
Use our days until Maundy Thursday timer to prepare for these solemn observances.
- Washing of the Feet: During the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the priest washes the feet of 12 parishioners. This powerful visual reenactment reminds the community that leadership is service.
- The Altar of Repose: At the end of the service, the Eucharist is processed to a side altar. The main altar is stripped bare, the tabernacle is left open and empty, and bells are silenced until Easter. This symbolizes Jesus being stripped and taken away.
- Seven Churches Visitation: A popular tradition (Visita Iglesia) in the Philippines, Latin America, and Italy involves visiting seven different churches on Thursday night to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in each one.
- Chrism Mass: Usually held on Thursday morning at the cathedral, the bishop blesses the holy oils (Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, Sacred Chrism) that will be used in sacraments throughout the year.
Maundy Thursday Around the World
The night is observed with unique cultural flavors globally.
UK (The Royal Maundy): The Monarch distributes "Maundy Money" to elderly citizens. The number of recipients matches the Monarch's age. The coins are specially minted silver pennies.
Germany (Gründonnerstag): Known as "Green Thursday." It is customary to eat green vegetables like spinach, kale, or seven-herb soup.
Philippines: The day is a public holiday. The "Visita Iglesia" sees millions of people walking from church to church, often barefoot as a form of penance.
Italy: The altars of repose are decorated with elaborate flowers and wheat sprouts that have been grown in the dark (symbolizing Jesus in the tomb). These are called "Sepolcri."
Frequently Asked Questions
Watch and Pray
"Could you not watch with me one hour?" Maundy Thursday invites us to stay awake, to serve others, and to remember. Use our Maundy Thursday Countdown Timer to prepare your heart for the Triduum.
Bookmark this page! Our timer automatically updates to next year's date as soon as the Triduum begins.