Easter and Passover canceled: Coronavirus pandemic upends ancient traditions

Coronavirus shutdowns are forcing historically unprecedented changes to celebrations of Easter and Passover, with many religious institutions canceling or moving their services online.

Easter, the most important feast in Christianity, falls on April 12 this year. In the Catholic Church, where the day is preceded by Holy Week, which includes a series of special Masses and other services, several dioceses are already canceling the public celebration of those events.