Good Friday

On the Friday before Easter, Christians commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, who voluntarily took upon himself the sins of the world. Good Friday is one of the most important holidays for Catholics and Protestant Christians.

The name “Good Friday” is derived from the Old High German “chara” or “kara,” which means “mourning” and “lamentation.” Good Friday is part of the “Triduum Sacrum” (Holy Three Days). The holy three days begin with the celebration of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday and extend through Good Friday and Holy Saturday until Vespers on Easter Sunday.

Where in the world is Good Friday a holiday?

Switzerland

Holiday in Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Graubünden, Jura, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Uri, Vaud, Zug, and Zurich.

Germany
Public holiday

Austria
Not a holiday

Liechtenstein
Not a holiday

Angola

Public holiday

Argentina
Public holiday

Australia
Public holiday

Bolivia
Public holiday

Brazil
Regional holiday

Chile
Public holiday

Costa Rica
Public holiday

Denmark
Public holiday

Dominican Republic
Public holiday

Ecuador
Public holiday

Finland
Public holiday

Greece
Public holiday

Guatemala
Public holiday

India
Public holiday

Canada
Public holiday

Cape Verde
Public holiday

Colombia
Public holiday

Mexico
Regional holiday

New Zealand
Public holiday

Netherlands
Regional holiday

Norway
Public holiday

East Timor
Public holiday

Paraguay
Public holiday

Peru
Public holiday

Philippines
Public holiday

Portugal
Public holiday

Sweden
Public holiday

Slovakia
Public holiday

Spain
Public holiday

South Africa
Public holiday

Venezuela
Public holiday

United Kingdom
Public holiday