Feast of the Annunciation
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25, is a major Christian festival commemorating the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The event is described in the Gospel of Luke (1:26-38), where Mary responds with her fiat, 'Let it be done to me according to your word.' The date falls exactly nine months before Christmas, reflecting the traditional dating of Jesus's conception. The feast has been observed since at least the 5th century, with the Council of Ephesus in 431 affirming Mary's title as Theotokos (God-bearer), which reinforced the theological significance of the Incarnation. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, it is one of the twelve Great Feasts. In many countries, it is also celebrated as the Feast of the Incarnation and is closely tied to the doctrine of Christ's divinity.
History
The Feast of the Annunciation has its roots in early Christian tradition. Evidence of the feast dates back to the 5th century, with the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) playing a pivotal role by affirming Mary as Theotokos. The exact date of March 25 was established by the 7th century in the West and possibly earlier in the East. The feast was initially celebrated as a feast of both Christ and Mary, but its focus on the Incarnation was emphasized over time. In the medieval period, March 25 was also considered the beginning of the new year in many European countries, including England, until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. When March 25 falls during Holy Week or Easter Week, the feast is transferred to the Monday after Low Sunday in the Catholic Church.
How It's Celebrated
The Feast of the Annunciation is observed with solemn liturgical services in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches worldwide. The Creed and the Angelus prayer are central to the day's devotions. In some traditions, white vestments are worn to signify the joy of the Incarnation. In Greece and Cyprus, the feast coincides with Greek Independence Day, celebrated with parades and cultural events. In Italy, the day is known as Festa della Annunziata, with special celebrations in Florence. In Lebanon and Syria, processions and street festivals mark the day. Many Catholics attend Mass and recite the Hail Mary in honor of the Annunciation, and the day is a traditional time for marriage proposals in some cultures.