April is a month filled with both public holidays and traditional observances in the United Kingdom. These celebrations range from deeply rooted national holidays to festive celebrations that mark the beginning of the spring season. In 2025, as in every year, British people will observe certain dates with special significance, whether through family gatherings, public events, or nationwide celebrations. This article will explore the key holidays that take place in April 2025 in the UK, providing insight into their origins, customs, and importance.
April Holidays in the UK
The United Kingdom is known for its rich history of holidays, many of which are based on tradition, religion, or national history. April is no exception, offering a mix of both well-established national holidays and celebrations with local or seasonal significance. While not every holiday in April is a public holiday (a day off work for most people), they still hold cultural importance and are widely observed across the nation.
In this article, we will look at the major holidays in April 2025, what they celebrate, and the customs associated with them. We’ll examine not only the official public holidays but also cultural traditions that are uniquely British, such as Easter, St. George’s Day, and others that are significant in specific regions of the country.
Easter Monday (April 21, 2025)
Easter is one of the most significant Christian holidays, and it typically falls in late March or early April. In 2025, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20, followed by Easter Monday on April 21. This day is part of the Easter celebrations in the UK, which commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Monday is a public holiday, meaning that most employees have the day off, and many businesses close for the day.
The origins of Easter Monday date back to the 4th century, when the resurrection of Christ was celebrated by the Christian community. While Easter Sunday holds the primary religious significance, Easter Monday is traditionally a day of rest and reflection. In the modern-day UK, the holiday is observed with various activities such as family gatherings, outdoor events, and egg rolling competitions.
Many British people take the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend with family and friends, particularly with the beginning of spring bringing warmer weather. Easter egg hunts and other themed events are commonly seen across the country. For those in rural areas, Easter Monday often marks a time for outdoor sports and activities such as cycling, walking, and attending fairs.
St. George’s Day (April 23, 2025)
St. George’s Day is another significant celebration in the UK, held annually on April 23. It is the feast day of St. George, the patron saint of England, and marks an important cultural celebration for the English people. The day is recognized as a national observance, although it is not a public holiday, meaning that most businesses remain open.
St. George is celebrated for his bravery and selflessness, with the most famous story being that of his battle against a dragon, which is a popular myth that dates back to the Middle Ages. In England, St. George’s Day is often marked by various local events and festivities. Some cities and towns organize parades, music performances, and public events in honor of England’s patron saint.
The flag of St. George, which is a red cross on a white background, is commonly flown on this day. Traditional English food, such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, may also feature prominently in celebrations. While St. George’s Day is not as widely celebrated as other national holidays like St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, there is a growing movement to make it a more recognized and celebrated event in England.
St. George’s Day holds special meaning in England, representing national pride and the cultural heritage of the English people. While it is not as widely celebrated with the same fervor as other holidays, there are still numerous events, especially in larger cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Early Spring Observances
In addition to the official public holidays, April is also the time when certain early spring observances take place. These may not be national holidays, but they are significant on a local or cultural level.
April Fools’ Day (April 1, 2025)
One of the lighter and more humorous days in April is April Fools’ Day, celebrated on April 1. On this day, people play practical jokes and hoaxes on friends, family, and colleagues. The day’s origins are somewhat unclear, but it is thought to have originated from ancient European traditions of celebrating the arrival of spring with playful pranks.
In the UK, April Fools’ Day is often marked by the media, where newspapers, TV shows, and radio stations feature fake news stories or humorous segments. Companies also participate by running pranks, and the public often takes part with harmless jokes and tricks on others. While not a public holiday, it is widely recognized and celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Holi (March 31 – April 1, 2025)
While not a British-origin holiday, Holi is an important cultural celebration that will take place at the end of March and continue into April in 2025. Holi is the Hindu festival of colors, celebrated primarily in India and Nepal but also recognized in the UK, where there is a significant South Asian population. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with vibrant colors, music, dancing, and feasts.
In the UK, Holi is particularly celebrated in areas with large Indian communities, such as London, Leicester, and Birmingham. The festivities typically involve the throwing of colored powders, music performances, and feasting. While not a public holiday, Holi is an important cultural event that has grown in popularity in the UK in recent years.
Bank Holidays in April 2025
The term “bank holiday” refers to public holidays in the UK when most banks and businesses are closed. In April 2025, there are two significant bank holidays:
Good Friday (April 18, 2025)
Good Friday, observed on April 18, 2025, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of solemn reflection and religious observance, with many Christians attending church services to mark the occasion. Good Friday is a public holiday, meaning that many businesses and government offices will be closed.
In the UK, Good Friday is often associated with religious processions and church services. It is also a time when families gather for a quiet day of reflection and prayer. For some, it marks the beginning of the Easter weekend, which culminates in Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday (April 21, 2025)
As mentioned earlier, Easter Monday on April 21 is a public holiday in the UK and marks the day after Easter Sunday. While it is not as solemn as Good Friday, it is still a time for reflection and relaxation. Many people use the day to spend time with family or engage in outdoor activities to enjoy the spring weather.
Regional Holidays
While Easter Monday and St. George’s Day are observed across the United Kingdom, some regional holidays and celebrations are more specific to certain areas.
Saint Mark’s Day (April 25, 2025)
In some parts of the UK, particularly in Scotland, Saint Mark’s Day on April 25 is observed. While it is not a public holiday, it is celebrated as a feast day dedicated to Saint Mark, the evangelist who is said to have written the Gospel of Mark. Saint Mark’s Day is often marked by church services and community gatherings, although it is not widely recognized as a major public event.
Conclusion
April 2025 promises to be a month filled with significant holidays and cultural celebrations across the United Kingdom. From the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Monday to the national pride of St. George’s Day, there are a variety of events that will bring people together to celebrate their heritage, religion, and traditions.
Easter remains one of the most important holidays in the UK, not just for its religious significance but also for the way it marks the arrival of spring. St. George’s Day offers an opportunity for English people to reflect on their national identity, while regional holidays add to the cultural tapestry of the UK.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, participating in community events, or simply enjoying the spring weather, April in the UK offers something for everyone. It is a month that blends the joy of new beginnings with the solemnity of religious reflection, making it an important time of the year for the British people.
