Church Year
What Is Pentecost?
Pentecost — also known as Whitsunday — is the feast of the Holy Spirit, celebrated 50 days after Easter. It marks the birth of the Church and is one of the greatest celebrations in the Christian calendar.
Quick answer
Church Near Me explains Pentecost — Whit Sunday — the feast fifty days after Easter celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church. Discover what the day means, how churches celebrate it and its place in the Christian year.
What Is Pentecost?
Pentecost is the Christian feast celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. The name comes from the Greek word for "fiftieth." It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and disciples of Jesus, as described in Acts chapter 2, and is widely described as the birthday of the Christian Church.
Pentecost is one of the three great festivals of the church year alongside Christmas and Easter. It is celebrated by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal churches — the last taking their very name from this feast.
What Happened on the Day of Pentecost?
According to the second chapter of Acts, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire appeared above each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in languages they did not know. The crowd outside heard the commotion and were amazed — people from across the Mediterranean world each heard the disciples speaking in their own native language.
Peter stood up and preached to the crowd, explaining that this was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel: "I will pour out my Spirit on all people." Around 3,000 people were baptised that day. This is why Pentecost is called the birthday of the Church.
Pentecost Dates
| Year | Easter Sunday | Pentecost Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 28 March | 16 May |
| 2028 | 16 April | 4 June |
| 2029 | 1 April | 20 May |
How Pentecost Is Celebrated in UK Churches
Red vestments and decorations
The liturgical colour for Pentecost is red — symbolising the tongues of fire and the blood of martyrs. Catholic and Anglican churches dress the altar in red on Pentecost Sunday.
Baptisms
Pentecost has historically been one of the great occasions for baptism, alongside Easter Vigil. Many Catholic and Anglican churches baptise adults and infants on Pentecost Sunday.
Acts 2 readings
The reading of Acts 2 is central to every Pentecost service. Many churches have the passage read in multiple languages simultaneously — reflecting the miracle of that first Pentecost day.
Whit Walks
In parts of northern England — particularly Greater Manchester — 'Whit Walks' are a centuries-old tradition in which church congregations process through the streets. The tradition remains strong in some Catholic communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pentecost in 2027?
Pentecost Sunday 2027 falls on 16 May 2027. Pentecost is always celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. In 2026, Pentecost Sunday fell on 24 May 2026.
What is the difference between Pentecost and Whitsunday?
Whitsunday (or Whit Sunday) is the traditional English name for Pentecost. The name is thought to derive from 'White Sunday' — a reference to the white garments worn by those baptised at Pentecost. In the Church of England, the day is officially called Pentecost.
What happened on the day of Pentecost?
According to Acts chapter 2, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a mighty wind filled the room and tongues of fire appeared above each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. Peter then preached and around 3,000 people were baptised.
Is Pentecost a Bank Holiday in the UK?
Pentecost itself is no longer a public holiday. Until 1971, Whit Monday was a Bank Holiday. It was replaced by the Late Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May — a date which no longer tracks with Pentecost.
What is the season of Pentecost?
The long period from Pentecost Sunday to Advent is called 'Ordinary Time' or 'The Season after Pentecost' — typically 26–29 Sundays. The liturgical colour is green, symbolising growth.