✝️ Good Friday Countdown
March 26, 2027
About Good Friday
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar — a day of fasting, prayer, and mourning that stands in sharp contrast to the joy of Easter Sunday two days later. The day is part of the Holy Triduum, the three days (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) leading into Easter. In many countries, Good Friday is a public holiday. In the United States, it is not a federal holiday, though it is a school or work holiday in many states and private organizations.
Good Friday Observances
Good Friday church services are often notable for their solemnity — many churches strip their altars of decorations, cover crosses and statues, and hold services without music or a celebration of the Eucharist. The Stations of the Cross — a series of 14 images or stops representing moments from Jesus's journey to crucifixion — are a traditional Good Friday devotion in Catholic and many Protestant churches. Many Christians fast on Good Friday, and in some traditions abstain from meat. In communities with large Catholic or Anglican populations, outdoor processions recreating the events of the Passion are held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday a public holiday in the US?
Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States, but it is observed as a state holiday in some states and is a school or work holiday in many communities.
Why is Good Friday called "Good"?
The origin of the name is debated. Most scholars believe "good" comes from an older sense meaning "holy" or "pious." Some suggest it evolved from "God's Friday."