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About Good Friday

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About Good Friday

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. It is the most solemn day of the Christian year.

It is called good because Christians believe that through this day of suffering came God's love and forgiveness for all people. It is part of Holy Week, after Maundy Thursday and before Holy Saturday and Easter.

Churches are left bare, without flowers or music, and hold quiet services in the afternoon, often from noon to three, with readings of the Passion, the Way of the Cross and prayers. Many people fast or eat simply, and spend the day in quiet.

  • Friday before Easter
  • Part of Holy Week
  • A day of fasting and prayer

Where it began

The Gospels tell how Jesus was arrested, tried and crucified outside Jerusalem, and how he died on a Friday afternoon. Christians remember this day with sorrow and with hope, because Easter follows.

The word good in its name is often explained as meaning holy. Early Christian writers already describe a day of fasting before Easter.

A Good Friday procession leaves the churchItaly

How it grew over time

  1. Early centuries

    Christians fast and pray on the Friday before the Easter feast.

  2. 4th century

    Pilgrims in Jerusalem walk to the places linked with the death of Jesus.

  3. Medieval period

    The Stations of the Cross spread in churches across Europe.

  4. Today

    Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries, including India.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Jerusalem

    Pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa through the old city, carrying crosses.

  • Kerala and Goa

    People join long processions and services, and many walk up hill shrines.

  • Spain and Latin America

    Holy Week processions carry carved figures through the streets.

  • Philippines

    Towns hold passion plays and reflective processions.

Good Friday moments

A Holy Week procession fills the town squareItaly
Pilgrims walk the Way of the Cross in the old cityJerusalem
A painting of the road to Calvary
A station of the Way of the CrossJerusalem

Good Friday today

Churches are kept bare and quiet. Services read the story of the Passion, people walk the Stations of the Cross, and many fast or eat simple food. Hot cross buns are a Good Friday custom in some countries.

How people celebrate Good Friday

  • Way of the Cross
  • Three hours service from noon
  • Reading the Passion
  • Veneration of the cross
  • Fasting and simple meals
  • Quiet prayer and reflection

How to wish well

  • Good Friday is a solemn day, not a happy one. Avoid Happy Good Friday; say A blessed Good Friday or simply share a prayer.
  • Short lines from scripture or a quiet prayer suit the day better than long greetings.
  • Keep cheerful Easter wishes for Sunday morning.
  • No jokes, no emoji-style cheer. A formal, gentle tone is right for colleagues and customers.

Questions about Good Friday

When is Good Friday 2027?

Good Friday 2027 is on 26 March 2027, two days before Easter Sunday on 28 March.

Why is it called Good Friday?

Christians believe the death of Jesus on this day brought God's love and forgiveness to the world. Good may also come from an old meaning of the word, holy.

Can you say Happy Good Friday?

It is better not to. Good Friday is a day of mourning and prayer. A blessed Good Friday, or a short prayer, is more fitting.

What do Christians do on Good Friday?

They attend a quiet service, walk the Way of the Cross, read the Passion, pray and often fast or eat simply.

Is Good Friday a holiday?

Yes, it is a public holiday in India and in many countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Brazil and much of Africa.

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