What is passover?

Passover (or Pesach) is a major Jewish spring festival, commemorating the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt.

Jews observe the festival with a number of rituals including traditional Passover meals known as seders, the removal of "chametz" or leavened products from their home, the replacement of matzo (matza or matzah) for bread and the reciting of the exodus story.

The festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring. It commences on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan and lasts for either 7 days (in Israel) or 8 days.

Passover 2014 begins on 14 April and concludes on April 22.

Read Passover's history, interesting facts, quotes and sayings to share on Jewish Festival aka Pesach at International Business Times.