Good Friday 2025 in the United States

Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection and mourning for many Christians, often marked by church services, prayer, and fasting.

Good Friday: A Public Holiday?

Good Friday is not a federal public holiday, but it is observed as a state holiday in various states of the United States. In these states, certain government offices, schools, and businesses may close, while in other parts of the country, it is typically a regular workday.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Its origins trace back to the early Christian church, which set aside the Friday before Easter as a solemn day of reflection on Jesus' suffering and sacrifice. The name "Good Friday" is believed to derive from an older meaning of the word "good," signifying piety and holiness. Traditionally, it has been observed by Christians around the world as part of Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, which commemorates events from Jesus' final days. Over time, Good Friday became a day for worship, prayer, and fasting, particularly within Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Christian traditions.

Observance on Good Friday in the USA

In the United States, Good Friday is observed as a state holiday in several states. Certain government offices and schools close in these states, allowing people to observe the day. Many other Americans, especially those in Christian communities, may attend services or take time off work. At the same time, the day is largely treated as a regular workday across most of the country.

On Good Friday, churches across the U.S. hold special services with readings, sermons, and reflections on Jesus' suffering and crucifixion. Many Catholic and some Protestant churches also have Stations of the Cross processions, which reenact important moments from Jesus' final hours. Some people observe the day with quiet reflection, fasting, and prayer to honor its solemn meaning. For others, Good Friday is a time for pilgrimage, such as visiting the Santuario de Chimayó in New Mexico, where people gather to seek healing and blessings.

Good Friday holds deep significance for Christians, as it marks a central event in Christian belief: the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which they believe brings redemption to humanity. For many, it is a day to reflect on themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and love, reminding them of their faith and its values. The observance leads directly into Easter Sunday, which celebrates Jesus' resurrection, completing the central narrative of Holy Week. While not widely celebrated in secular culture, Good Friday remains an important day of religious observance and reflection for millions across the U.S., connecting them to a tradition that has endured for centuries.

Good Friday Observances