Good Friday

Good Friday is a deeply significant day for millions around the world. As part of the Christian tradition, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in the Easter story. For those in the UK, it’s a day of both religious observance and cultural traditions. In this article, we’ll explore the history, traditions, and events surrounding it. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions like “Is Good Friday a bank holiday?” and “When is Good Friday 2026?”

Good Friday 2024 to 2028: Dates Across the UK

The date of this day varies each year, as it is determined by the lunar calendar.

Note: The dates are consistent across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

What is Good Friday?

At its core, Good Friday is a solemn day that remembers the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Christians believe this was the day Jesus was crucified, and it’s observed as a day of mourning, prayer, and reflection. The term “Good” might be puzzling at first, given the somber events it recalls. However, many scholars believe the word signifies something “holy” or “sacred,” rather than a celebration in the traditional sense.

For the Christian community, this day represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for the salvation of humanity. This day sets the stage for the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, when Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead, symbolizing the victory over death. That’s why it is called Good Friday.

What Happened on Good Friday?

On this day, Christians believe Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, after being sentenced to death by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. The events began with Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by a series of trials, both religious and secular. He was eventually sentenced to be crucified, a form of execution reserved for the most heinous criminals.

The crucifixion took place at Golgotha, a hill outside Jerusalem. According to the Bible, Jesus was nailed to a cross and hung there for several hours before he died. Christians believe that through his suffering and death, Jesus bore the sins of the world, offering salvation to all who believe.

The events of Good Friday are outlined in the Gospels of the New Testament, and are central to Christian theology.

Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday?

In the UK, Good Friday is indeed a bank holiday, meaning that most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on this day. This provides a great opportunity for people to participate in religious services, spend time with family, or simply reflect on the significance of the day. Many people also use it as a chance to rest, as it marks the beginning of a long Easter weekend.

However, not all businesses are closed on this public holiday. In particular, shops and supermarkets may remain open, although some may operate with reduced hours.

Are Shops Open on Good Friday?

The question of whether shops are open on Good Friday is one that comes up every year. While it’s a bank holiday, the answer is a bit more complicated. Many large retailers, including supermarkets, typically remain open on this holiday but often with reduced operating hours. Smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors, may also stay open to cater to the public during the holiday.

That said, it’s always a good idea to check ahead if you plan to shop or visit any specific location on it, as hours of operation can vary depending on the store and region.

Traditions of Good Friday

The traditions of this day vary greatly depending on cultural context, but there are a few key practices observed by many Christians:

Quiet Reflection: Many Christians also spend Good Friday in quiet reflection, meditating on the significance of Jesus’ death. This may involve personal prayer, Bible reading, or a time of silence.

Church Services: Many Christians attend services on Good Friday, often marked by somber reflections, hymns, and scripture readings about the Passion of Christ. Some churches hold Passion services, which focus entirely on the death of Jesus.

Fasting and Abstinence: In some Christian traditions, Good Friday is a day of fasting or abstaining from certain foods as a sign of repentance and mourning. For instance, some people may avoid eating meat on this day.

The Stations of the Cross: This is a tradition where Christians walk through a series of 14 stations or events that represent key moments leading up to the crucifixion. This is often practiced in Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions.

Good Friday Processions: In many countries, Good Friday is marked by processions, where people walk through the streets, sometimes carrying crosses or other religious symbols. These processions often reenact the final journey of Jesus to his crucifixion.