Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date varies since Easter is dependent on the equinox. This is a largely religious holiday that isn't celebrated by everyone.
Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated
Good Friday is not considered an official holiday. Instead, it is merely observed by those who feel it is a holiday. There are 13 states that recognize Good Friday as a state holiday. Check with your local holiday calendar to see if your state is one of them. Here are the upcoming observation dates:
- Friday, April 14, 2017
- Friday, March 30, 2018
- Friday, April 19, 2019
- Friday, April 10, 2020
- Friday, April 2, 2021
- Friday, April 15, 2022
- Friday, April 7, 2023
- Friday, March 29, 2024
- Friday, April 18, 2025
Where Is Good Friday Considered A Holiday?
In some states, Good Friday is considered a state holiday. However, most states simply offer an observance of the day. Heavily religious individuals may choose to book the day off work, however it isn't typically offered. Government offices function as they normally would, so do schools and public transportation. Individual businesses may choose to close for Good Friday, but many will remain open. In Hawaii, Good Friday is considered a holiday, so most businesses are closed. In Perry County, of Tennessee, Good Friday is only a holiday as far as schools are considered. In Connecticut, Good Friday is declared a day of fasting. In Indiana, employees are offered Good Friday as a religious day off.
Festivities & Events During Good Friday
For Christians, Good Friday is a time for prayer. There are sermons held in the churches. There are many traditions, including putting out candles and draping statues in specific cloth. Catholics may choose to fast on Good Friday, or simply eat small meals. Good Friday marks the date of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, so many religious individuals celebrate with mourning.
A Brief History Of Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a religious-observed holiday that many people choose not to celebrate. In Christianity and Catholicism, it is an important day. It is one of many religious holidays in the same week, including Easter and Easter Monday.