April is a month of springtime blossoms in the Northern Hemisphere, cultural celebrations, and important religious observances. From joyous festivals and Earth Day to health awareness initiatives, April 2025 offers a range of holidays and observances for everyone. Let’s explore the notable dates to mark on your calendar this month.
April Fool’s Day – April 1, 2025
April Fool’s Day on April 1 is a lighthearted holiday celebrated globally with pranks, jokes, and harmless tricks. It’s a day for people of all ages to embrace humor and creativity. Although its exact origins are unclear, April Fool’s Day has become a fun way to welcome spring with laughter, often featuring practical jokes in schools, workplaces, and among friends.
Good Friday – April 18, 2025
Good Friday is observed on April 18 in 2025 and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed by Christians around the world, it is a solemn day of reflection and prayer. Many churches hold special services, and some individuals observe fasting. Good Friday is an integral part of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter Sunday and the celebration of the Resurrection.
Passover (Pesach) – Begins April 19, 2025
Passover is a significant Jewish festival that celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. In 2025, Passover begins at sunset on April 19 and lasts for seven or eight days, depending on Jewish tradition. This holiday is marked by family gatherings, festive meals called Seders, and the eating of matzah, an unleavened bread symbolizing the hurried departure from Egypt. It’s a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.
Easter Sunday – April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday falls on April 20 in 2025, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s one of the most important holidays in Christianity, symbolizing hope, renewal, and new life. Many families attend church services, participate in Easter egg hunts, and enjoy festive meals together. Easter is also associated with springtime symbols such as eggs, bunnies, and flowers, which represent rebirth and new beginnings.
Earth Day – April 22, 2025
Earth Day on April 22 is celebrated worldwide to promote environmental awareness and encourage action for protecting our planet. Established in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global event with millions participating in clean-up activities, tree planting, and educational campaigns. Many organizations and communities organize events focusing on sustainability, climate change, and preserving natural resources, encouraging everyone to contribute to a healthier planet.
World Book Day – April 23, 2025
World Book Day on April 23 is a UNESCO-designated holiday that celebrates the power of books and promotes reading. This day encourages people of all ages to read, share stories, and appreciate literature. Libraries, schools, and bookstores often host reading events, author visits, and book donations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce new generations to the joys of reading and to celebrate the writers and illustrators who create the stories we love.
Arbor Day – April 25, 2025
Arbor Day is dedicated to tree planting and raising awareness about the importance of trees in sustaining our ecosystems. Celebrated on the last Friday of April in the United States, Arbor Day falls on April 25 in 2025. Communities and environmental organizations participate in tree-planting ceremonies, educational workshops, and conservation activities. It’s a reminder of the role trees play in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and improving air quality.
Orthodox Easter – April 27, 2025
For many Eastern Orthodox Christians, Orthodox Easter is a day of joy, symbolizing the Resurrection of Christ. Falling on April 27 in 2025, this day is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Orthodox Easter traditions often include red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ and renewal, and special bread called kulich. It’s a time for reflection, prayer, and gratitude, with celebrations often lasting late into the evening.
April Monthly Observances
Several month-long observances throughout April are dedicated to raising awareness and promoting positive practices.
National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month is celebrated in April to honor the art of poetry and encourage people to explore and appreciate poetic works. This observance, established by the Academy of American Poets, includes poetry readings, workshops, and events in schools, libraries, and cultural centers. Poetry Month highlights the expressive power of poetry in reflecting human emotions, stories, and perspectives.
National Autism Awareness Month
April is designated as National Autism Awareness Month to increase understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders. Various organizations and communities host events, fundraisers, and educational campaigns to support individuals with autism and their families. This month promotes inclusivity and encourages acceptance by fostering conversations about the needs, strengths, and contributions of those living with autism.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month has been observed every April since 1992 to raise awareness about the effects of stress and the importance of mental health. This observance encourages individuals to recognize sources of stress and adopt healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness, exercise, and adequate rest. Mental health professionals and organizations provide resources, workshops, and support networks to help individuals manage stress and enhance well-being.
April Weekly Observances
April also includes several weekly observances that focus on health, wellness, and social causes.
National Library Week – April 6-12, 2025
National Library Week is celebrated from April 6 to April 12 in 2025, highlighting the role of libraries in promoting literacy, knowledge, and community engagement. Libraries across the United States host events, book readings, and workshops to encourage people to visit, learn, and take advantage of library resources. This week is a celebration of libraries as community hubs and a reminder of their value in promoting lifelong learning.
National Volunteer Week – April 13-19, 2025
National Volunteer Week takes place from April 13 to April 19 in 2025, recognizing the contributions of volunteers and encouraging community service. Organizations and communities celebrate the efforts of individuals who give their time to make a difference. Many people take this week as an opportunity to volunteer for causes they care about, from environmental projects to helping in local shelters and community centers.
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week – April 20-26, 2025
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is observed from April 20 to April 26 in 2025 to honor laboratory professionals’ contributions to healthcare. These professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, conducting research, and ensuring patient safety. Hospitals and medical facilities often hold events to appreciate and raise awareness about the important work that goes on behind the scenes in medical labs.
Interesting Facts About April Holidays
- April is derived from the Latin word aperire, meaning to open, symbolizing the blossoming of flowers and trees in spring.
- Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and is now recognized as one of the world’s largest environmental movements.
- Good Friday is often a public holiday in countries with large Christian populations, including Spain, the Philippines, and many Latin American nations.
The holidays and observances in April 2025 celebrate a range of themes, from religious traditions to environmental awareness, literature, and the contributions of individuals across various fields. These special days provide moments for reflection, celebration, and community involvement, all while embracing the spirit of spring.