Good Friday in 2025

The History Behind Good Friday

Good Friday is held in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus. It is widely believed among the Christians that on this day Jesus was crucified. The resurrection of Jesus, three days later after the crucifixion, is observed as Easter.

In Christianity, it's believed that the day Jesus died, he carried the sins of the world along with him and because of his sacrifice people are redeemed and can reach heaven after death. The crucifixion and death of Jesus symbolises his sacrifice and forgiveness for all the sins committed by humans.

How Good Friday is Celebrated

The biggest remembrance takes place in the Vatican City where people flock to witness the Pope reciting the way of the cross outside the Colosseum for Catholics from all across the world. A massive cross with torches burns in the sky and believers hold their own candles.

Catholics observe the day by fasting and offering prayers in the Churches. Services are held in the afternoon—the time when Jesus was crucified on the cross. Christians honour Jesus by remembering his sacrifices and the pain he went through during the last hours for the good of all mankind. Some churches also observe the Veneration of the Cross. It's a small ritual where Christians kneel before the cross to affirm their faith.

Every year in London, on Good Friday a passion play depicting the crucifixion in Trafalgar Square is held. Thousands of people gather to watch the 90-minute play, which is open to public and completely free. In Bermuda, people engage in flying kites that resemble Jesus's journey or ascension to heaven.

Some Churches, especially those in Mexico and Belgium are covered in black or dark colours. In Jerusalem, which is considered as the birthplace of Jesus, Christians follow the same path that led to Jesus's crucifixion carrying a cross (sometimes of the same weight) similar to the one that Jesus carried. In Ireland, it's prohibited to sell alcohol on this day.

In India, people of Christian faith go to churches to offer respect to the Lord. The day is observed as a national holiday for most government offices, IT firms, stock markets, and banks. It's also a public holiday for people residing in Daman and Diu, as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli as per the Bombay High Court's directive. Parades are held in some places in remembrance of Jesus. Christianity-based religious programmes are common.

Good Friday is more of a sombre day in the entire "Holy Week" and is not celebrated with fairs and events. It's a day where the Christians gather to remember and honour Jesus' sacrifice.

Festivities of Good Friday

1. People cover statues, crosses and pictures with black clothes.
2. Attend the church and offer prayers.
3. Every Christian takes part in the Holy Communion.
4. People sing hymns and prayers.

Related Festivals with Good Friday 

Holy Week is celebrated in the week before Easter and each day of the week is observed as ‘Holy Day’. The days of this week are named as: 

1. Palm Sunday 
2. Holy Monday 
3. Holy Tuesday 
4. Spy Wednesday 
5. Maundy Thursday 

1. Good Friday 
2. Holy Saturday 
3. Easter Sunday 

Here are some of the significant days of the Holy Week: 

Maundy Thursday:  

1. Also known as Holy Thursday 
2. Observed on fifth day of the week 
3. Commemorates the last supper with Apostles and washing of the feet 
4. A custom of visiting fourteen churches on the evening of Maundy Thursday is followed 

Good Friday: 

1. The day of crucifixion of Jesus 
2. Observed on the sixth day of the week 
3. This is also a part of Paschal Triduum 
4. Also known as ‘Holy Friday’, ‘Black Friday’, ‘Great Friday’ 
5. This day is observed as a gazetted holiday across the globe 

Holy Saturday: 

1. This is the final day of the Holy Week 
2. Also known as Hallelujah Saturday or Great Sabbath 
3. The day is observed as a day of mourning over Jesus’s death 
4. The falls between Good Friday and Easter 

1. People start preparing for Easter from the day of Holy Saturday 

Easter Sunday: 

1. Commemorates the resurrection Jesus 
2. Also known as Resurrection Sunday or Pascha 
3. People believes that Jesus resurrected on Easter Sunday after his death and burial 

Traditional Practices on Good Friday 

The following are some of the traditional practices followed on Good Friday: 

1. People fast on the day of Good Friday 
2. People offer prayers in churches 
3. People mourn on the crucifixion of Jesus 

1. Good Friday and the following Saturday, the Holy Saturday, is also observed as the day of mourning 
2. The day Jesus resurrected is celebrated as celebrated as Easter Sunday 
3. Great Three hours of agony is observed from noon till 3 pm on Maundy Thursday

Symbols of Good Friday

Good Friday is celebrated in memory of Jesus Christ's death, passion and crucifixion. The most important symbol of Good Friday is the crucifix, which represents the way in which Jesus Christ died. A few crosses bear a figure of Jesus Christ. Other symbols of Good Friday comprise of black cloth utlised to cover crosses, paintings and statues in churches. Besides, a few people create a plain appearance in churches and houses by removing all flowers.

Public Life on Good Friday 

Post offices, banks, and all federal, state, and municipal government agencies are normally closed on Good Friday in observance of the holiday. Additionally, Christian companies, institutions, and groups may be closed or run on a limited schedule. It is advised to get in touch with your local transportation agency to confirm schedules if you intend to take public transit on this day. 

 Large parades and prayer gatherings can cause localised traffic problems in areas with a sizable Christian population. 

Good Friday 2026

Best Destinations in India to Spend Good Friday

1. Goa: Goa represents a very rich Christian culture with many churches. As you can anticipate, Easter is a big deal in the paradise of beach with processions conducted by every single church.

1. Mumbai: Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, has more low-key celebrations. The churches in the city hold prayers and mass to honor the festival of Easter.

1. Aizwal: Aizwal is the capital city of Mizoram. The city has a vast number of Christians. Churches in the city organise special prayers and worship on the day.

1. Kochi: Churches in the city of Kochi conduct services to honor the rebirth of Jesus Christ. Shops shall offer Easter bunnies and goodies while hotels shall offer special Easter Sunday meals.

1. Vizag: The Anglo-Indian community in the city of Vizag, a port city, celebrate the rebirth of Jesus Christ. Community hotspots such as Gyanapuram and Soldierpet are the best places to visit.

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