Good Friday

In 2026, Good Friday falls on Friday, April 3, 2026. There are currently 90 days remaining until this solemn Christian observance. The date changes every year because it is calculated based on the lunar calendar, always occurring two days before Easter Sunday during Holy Week.

No, Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States. Federal government offices, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service remain open. However, it is recognized as a state holiday in 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Tennessee. Texas also recognizes it as an optional holiday. In these specific states, government offices and courts are typically closed, and approximately 20% of employees nationwide receive the day off from their employers.

Good Friday is a somber day in the Christian faith that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. It is the sixth day of Holy Week and forms part of the Paschal Triduum, which begins on Maundy Thursday and concludes on Easter Sunday. Because it marks a period of grief and sacrifice, it is also referred to by other names such as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday. It serves as a time for believers to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus before the celebration of his resurrection on Easter.

Unlike many American holidays that involve parades or festive parties, Good Friday is observed with solemnity and quiet reflection. Many Christians attend special church services, often held in the afternoon to coincide with the hours Jesus was on the cross. These services may include reading the Passion of Christ, the Veneration of the Cross, or the Stations of the Cross. It is a day of prayer and penance, and many observers choose to fast or abstain from eating meat as a sign of mourning and devotion.

Closures vary significantly across the country. In states where it is an official holiday, public schools and state government buildings are closed. In other states, many private schools and some public school districts may still close for a 'Spring Break' or 'Friday Recess.' While the stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) traditionally closes for the day, most retail stores, grocery chains, and restaurants remain open with normal or slightly adjusted business hours. It is best to check with local establishments beforehand.

Common traditions include attending church services that are often darker and quieter than usual, sometimes involving the stripping of the altar. In some communities, walking the 'Stations of the Cross' is a prominent public or private devotion. Dietary customs are also common; many Americans eat fish instead of meat or consume 'hot cross buns,' which are spiced sweet buns marked with a cross on top. Because it is a day of mourning, many families maintain a quiet atmosphere at home until the Easter celebrations begin.

Visitors should be aware that while the country does not shut down entirely, local conditions depend on the state. If you are in the Northeast or South, you are more likely to encounter closed government offices. Public transportation usually runs on a normal or slightly reduced Friday schedule. Since it is part of a long weekend for many, popular travel destinations and restaurants may be busier than usual. It is a respectful time to visit historic churches, but be mindful of ongoing religious services which are closed to sightseeing.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday represent two different emotional pillars of the Christian faith. Good Friday is a day of sorrow, focusing on the suffering and death of Jesus, characterized by muted colors, somber music, and fasting. In contrast, Easter Sunday is a joyful celebration of the resurrection, filled with bright colors, festive meals, and family gatherings. While Good Friday is a time for introspection, Easter is the primary day for public celebration, egg hunts, and church festivities in the United States.