Christian Holiday
What is Good Friday?
The Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.
In other languages: Viernes Santoالجمعة العظيمة耶稣受难日Vendredi saintKarfreitagSexta-feira Santa聖金曜日Страстная пятницаगुड फ्राइडे
106
Countries
Apr 3
2026
Mar 26
2027
History & Origins
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary, and is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar. The origin of the name is debated: most scholars believe "Good" is used in the archaic sense of "holy" or "pious", as in "Good Tide" for Christmas.
The day is observed across Christian denominations with fasting, prayer, and the Stations of the Cross — a sequence of reflections on Jesus's journey to the cross. Many churches hold three-hour services from midday to 3 PM, the hours traditionally associated with the crucifixion.
Good Friday is a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries, much of Europe, and many parts of Latin America. Traditions vary widely: in the Philippines, some devotees undergo ritual flagellation; in Bermuda, kite-flying is a longstanding custom; in the UK, hot cross buns are a traditional food.
When is Good Friday?
Which countries observe Good Friday?
106 countries- United States04/03
- Canada04/03
- Mexico04/03
- United Kingdom04/03
- Germany04/03
- Spain04/03
- Netherlands04/03
- Portugal04/03
- Belgium04/03
- Switzerland04/03
- Sweden04/03
- Norway04/03
- Denmark04/03
- Finland04/03
- Czech Republic04/03
- Slovakia04/03
- Hungary04/03
- Ireland04/03
- Luxembourg04/03
- Latvia04/03
- Estonia04/03
- Iceland04/03
- Malta04/03
- Andorra04/03
- Liechtenstein04/03
- Montenegro04/03
- Brazil04/03
- Argentina04/03
- Chile04/03
- Colombia04/03
- Peru04/03
- Venezuela04/03
- Ecuador04/03
- Bolivia04/03
- Paraguay04/03
- Uruguay04/03
- Guatemala04/03
- Cuba04/03
- Dominican Republic04/03
- Honduras04/03
- El Salvador04/03
- Nicaragua04/03
- Costa Rica04/03
- Panama04/03
- Antigua and Barbuda04/03
- Barbados04/03
- Bahamas04/03
- Belize04/03
- Dominica04/03
- Grenada04/03
- Guyana04/03
- Haiti04/03
- Jamaica04/03
- Saint Kitts and Nevis04/03
- Saint Lucia04/03
- Suriname04/03
- Trinidad and Tobago04/03
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines04/03
- Australia04/03
- New Zealand04/03
- India04/03
- Singapore04/03
- Malaysia04/03
- Indonesia04/03
- Philippines04/03
- Hong Kong04/03
- Sri Lanka04/03
- Fiji04/03
- Macau04/03
- Papua New Guinea04/03
- Solomon Islands04/03
- East Timor04/03
- Tonga04/03
- Vanuatu04/03
- Samoa04/03
- South Africa04/03
- Nigeria04/03
- Kenya04/03
- Ghana04/03
- Angola04/03
- Botswana04/03
- Cameroon04/03
- Cabo Verde04/03
- Gambia04/03
- Lesotho04/03
- Malawi04/03
- Namibia04/03
- Rwanda04/03
- Seychelles04/03
- Sierra Leone04/03
- South Sudan04/03
- Eswatini04/03
- Tanzania04/03
- Uganda04/03
- Zambia04/03
- Zimbabwe04/03
- Romania04/10
- Bulgaria04/10
- Greece04/10
- Serbia04/10
- Cyprus04/10
- Bosnia and Herzegovina04/10
- Georgia04/10
- North Macedonia04/10
- Ethiopia04/10
- Eritrea04/10
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Christmas Day
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Easter Sunday
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Easter Monday
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Ascension Day
Forty days after Easter — commemorates the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
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Whit Monday
The day after Pentecost — a public holiday in much of continental Europe.
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All Saints' Day
1 November — a Christian feast honouring all known and unknown saints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Good Friday?
- Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary, and is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar. The origin of the name is debated: most scholars believe "Good" is used in the archaic sense of "holy" or "pious", as in "Good Tide" for Christmas.
- When is Good Friday in 2026?
- Good Friday falls on Friday, April 3, 2026 in most countries that observe it.
- When is Good Friday in 2027?
- Good Friday falls on Friday, March 26, 2027 in most countries that observe it.
- How many countries observe Good Friday?
- Good Friday is observed as a public holiday in 106 countries, including United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany.
- Is Good Friday a public holiday?
- Yes — Good Friday is recognised as a public holiday in 106 countries. Observance rules, names, and exact dates may differ by country.