Good Friday

==Associated customs==
[[File:Good Friday in St. Pius X Church.jpg|thumb|right|Good Friday service in a Catholic church, Ireland]]
In many countries and territories with a strong Christian tradition such as Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, the countries of the Caribbean, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand,<ref>Holidays Act 2003 (New Zealand), Section 17 [http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2003/0129/latest/DLM237120.html Days that are public holidays] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505010517/http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2003/0129/latest/DLM237120.html |date=5 May 2009 }}</ref><ref>Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal Act 1990 (New Zealand), Section 3 [http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1990/0057/latest/DLM212363.html Shops to be closed on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418062410/http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1990/0057/latest/DLM212363.html |date=18 April 2009 }}</ref><ref>Broadcasting Act 1989 (New Zealand), Section 79A [http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/DLM158495.html Hours during which election programmes prohibited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426042920/http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/DLM158495.html |date=26 April 2011 }}, Section 81 [http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/DLM158916.html Advertising hours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418061337/http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/DLM158916.html |date=18 April 2009 }}</ref> Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, the Scandinavian countries, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela, the day is observed as a [[List of holidays by country|public or federal holiday]]. In the United States, 12 states observe Good Friday as state holiday: Connecticut, Texas, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina and North Dakota. One associated custom is strict adherence to the [[Black Fast]], where believers fast from food and liquids during the day and after sunset, a [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarian]] meal with water is consumed.<ref name="Cléir2017">{{cite book|last=Cléir|first=Síle de|title=Popular Catholicism in 20th-Century Ireland: Locality, Identity and Culture|year=2017|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|language=en|isbn=978-1350020603|page=101|quote=Catherine Bell outlines the details of fasting and abstinence in a historical context, stating that the Advent fast was usually less severe than that carried out in Lent, which originally involved just one meal a day, not to be eaten until after sunset.}}</ref><ref name="Butler">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1839 |publisher=James Duffy |location=[[Dublin]] |page=144-146 |language=en|quote=The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.}}</ref><ref name="Kiernan">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1774 |publisher=C. Kiernan |page=257 |language=en |quote=It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.}}</ref> St. [[Ambrose]], St. [[John Chrysostom|Chrysostom]] and St. [[Basil of Caesarea|Basil]] attest to the practice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02590c.htm|publisher=Catholic Encyclopedia|title=The Black Fast|access-date=13 February 2019|archive-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117155814/https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02590c.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The processions of the day, hymns "[[Crux fidelis]]" by [[John I of Portugal|King John of Portugal]], and [[Johann Ernst Eberlin|Eberlin's]] "[[Tenebrae factae sunt]]", followed by "[[Vexilla regis prodeunt|Vexilla Regis]]" is sung, translated from Latin as ''the standards of the King advance'', and then follows a ceremony that is not a real Mass, it is called the "[[Mass of the Presanctified|Mass of the Pre-Sanctified]].". This custom is respected also by forgoing the Mass, this is to take heed to the solemnity of the Sacrifice of Calvary. This is where the host of the prior day is placed at the altar, incensed, elevated so "that it may be seen by the people" and consumed. Germany and some other countries have laws prohibiting certain acts, such as dancing and horse racing, that are seen as profaning the solemn nature of the day.<ref name="Petre">{{cite news|last=Petre|first=Jonathan|date=21 March 2008|title=Good Friday gambling anger churches|newspaper=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582366/Good-Friday-gambling-angers-churches.html|quote=Bookmakers estimate that thousands of shops will be operating, even though Good Friday is one of three days in the year when no horse racing takes place.|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111220353/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582366/Good-Friday-gambling-angers-churches.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Stevens">{{cite news|last=Stevens|first=Laura|date=29 March 2013|title=In Germany, Some Want to Boogie Every Day of the Year|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324685104578387084082724670|quote=Every year on Good Friday, Germany becomes a little like the fictional town in the movie 'Footloose' – dancing is verboten. The decades-old 'Tanzverbot,' or dance ban, applies to all clubs, discos and other forms of organized dancing in all German states.|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711021814/https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324685104578387084082724670|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Australia===
Good Friday is a holiday under state and territory laws in all states and territories in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/public-holidays|title=Public holidays – australia.gov.au|access-date=21 February 2016|archive-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414132759/https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/public-holidays|url-status=live}}</ref> Generally speaking, shops in all Australian states (but not in the two territories of the [[Northern Territory]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]]) are required to remain closed for the duration of Good Friday, although there are certain shops which are permitted to open and other shops can apply for exemptions. All schools and universities close on Good Friday in Australia, and Good Friday falls within the school holidays in most years in all states and territories except the Northern Territory, although many states now commence their school holidays in early April regardless of Easter. In 2018, for example, when Good Friday fell on 30 March, only [[Queensland]] and [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] had school holidays which coincided with Good Friday.<ref name="australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/school-term-dates">{{Cite web |url= https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/school-term-dates |title= School Term Dates |website= australia.gov.au |access-date= 4 February 2018 |archive-date= 14 April 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200414123519/https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/school-term-dates |url-status= live }}</ref> The vast majority of businesses are closed on Good Friday, although many recreational businesses, such as the [[Sydney Royal Easter Show]], open on Good Friday as among non-religious families Good Friday is a popular day to indulge in such activities.

===Canada===
[[File:Apokathylosis - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Toronto (2010).jpg|thumb|The descent from the cross, commemorated in [[#Vespers of Holy and Great Friday|Vespers of Holy and Great Friday]], Greek Orthodox Cathedral in [[Toronto]], Canada]]
In Canada, Good Friday is a [[public holidays in Canada|federal statutory holiday]]. In the province of Quebec "employers can choose to give the day off either on Good Friday or Easter Monday."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statutoryholidays.com|title=Statutory holidays in Canada both national and provincial.|access-date=14 April 2022|archive-date=24 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624212954/http://www.statutoryholidays.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Cuba===
In an online article posted on [[Catholic News Agency]] by Alejandro Bermúdez on 31 March 2012, [[President of Cuba|Cuban President]] [[Raúl Castro]], with the [[Communist Party of Cuba|Communist Party]] and his advisers, decreed that Good Friday that year would be a holiday. This was Castro's response to a request made personally to him by [[Pope Benedict XVI]] during the latter's Apostolic Visitation to the island and [[Leon, Mexico|León]], [[Mexico]] that month. The move followed the pattern of small advances in Cuba's relations with the Vatican, mirroring Pope John Paul II's success in getting [[Fidel Castro]] to declare [[Christmas Day]] a holiday.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cuban-authorities-declare-good-friday-2012-a-holiday/ |title=Cuban authorities declare Good Friday 2012 a holiday |publisher=Catholic News Agency |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=10 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710000459/http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cuban-authorities-declare-good-friday-2012-a-holiday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Both Good Friday and Christmas are now [[Public holidays in Cuba|annual holidays in Cuba]].

===Hong Kong===
In [[Hong Kong]], Good Friday was designated a public holiday in the Holidays Ordinance, 1875.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Holidays Ordinance, 1875 |date=7 July 1875 |url=https://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/archive/files/868d03477ec3ff8ccc1270c68dd37ed2.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405051037/https://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/archive/files/868d03477ec3ff8ccc1270c68dd37ed2.pdf |archive-date=5 April 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Good Friday continues to be a holiday after the [[Handover of Hong Kong|transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China]] in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/holiday/|title=GovHK: General holidays for 2007 – 2022|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313145530/https://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/holiday/|url-status=live}}</ref> Government offices, banks, post offices and most offices are closed on Good Friday.

===Ireland===
In the [[Republic of Ireland]], Good Friday is not an official public holiday, but most non-retail businesses close for the day. Up until 2018 it was illegal to sell alcoholic beverages on Good Friday, with some exceptions, so pubs and off-licences generally closed.<ref name="ie-wheretolook">{{cite news|title=You can have a pint today – if you know where to look|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/you-can-have-a-pint-today-if-you-know-where-to-look-26646201.html|first=Colin|last=Gleeson|access-date=3 April 2015|work=Irish Independent|date=2 April 2010|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217123339/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/you-can-have-a-pint-today-if-you-know-where-to-look-26646201.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics of the ban included the catering and tourism sector, but surveys showed that the general public were divided on the issue.<ref name="independent-goodfridayalcohol">{{cite news|last1=Hade|first1=Emma Jane|title=Good Friday alcohol ban still splits public as only half want it abolished|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/good-friday-alcohol-ban-still-splits-public-as-only-half-want-it-abolished-31112720.html|access-date=3 April 2015|work=Irish Independent|date=2 April 2015|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501215422/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/good-friday-alcohol-ban-still-splits-public-as-only-half-want-it-abolished-31112720.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/times-have-changed-a-lot-one-of-irelands-oldest-barmaids-98-pulls-pints-for-the-first-time-on-good-friday-36759366.html 'Times have changed a lot' – one of Ireland's oldest barmaids (98) pulls pints for the first time on Good Friday] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003004835/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/times-have-changed-a-lot-one-of-irelands-oldest-barmaids-98-pulls-pints-for-the-first-time-on-good-friday-36759366.html |date=3 October 2021 }} independent.ie, 30 March 2018</ref><!-- This is not, strictly speaking, wrong, but it is not a fair summary of what the source actually says -- how many of those who said they think it should stay in place also said they planned on drinking pre-purchased alcohol on the day? --> In [[Northern Ireland]], a similar ban operates until 5&nbsp;pm on Good Friday.<ref name="bbc-restrictionsni">{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Coulter|title=Pub owners frustrated at assembly failure to change Easter opening hours|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-35877628|work=BBC News|date=23 March 2016|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003013126/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-35877628|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Malaysia===
Although Malaysia is a [[Muslim world|Muslim majority country]], Good Friday is declared as a public holiday in the states of [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]] in [[East Malaysia]] as there is a significant Christian indigenous population in both states.<ref>{{cite book|author=Michael Ipgrave|title=Building a Better Bridge: Muslims, Christians, and the Common Good : a Record of the Fourth Building Bridges Seminar Held in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, May 15–18, 2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O109P8UHP2wC&pg=PA109|year=2008|publisher=Georgetown University Press|isbn=978-1-58901-731-3|pages=109–|access-date=31 October 2016|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504123421/https://books.google.com/books?id=O109P8UHP2wC&pg=PA109|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Malta===
[[File:Malta - ZebbugM - Good Friday 202 ies.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Holy Week procession]] in Malta]]
The Holy Week commemorations reach their peak on Good Friday as the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the [[passion of Jesus]]. Solemn celebrations take place in all churches together with processions in different villages around [[Malta]] and [[Gozo]]. During the celebration, the narrative of the passion is read in some localities, while the Adoration of the Cross follows. Good Friday processions take place in [[Birgu]], [[Bormla]], [[Għaxaq]], [[Luqa]], [[Mosta]], [[Naxxar]], [[Paola, Malta|Paola]], [[Qormi]], [[Rabat, Malta|Rabat]], [[Senglea]], [[Valletta]], [[Żebbuġ, Malta|Żebbuġ (Città Rohan)]] and [[Żejtun]]. Processions in Gozo will be in [[Nadur]], [[Victoria, Gozo|Victoria]] (St. George and Cathedral), [[Xagħra]] and [[Żebbuġ, Gozo]].{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}

===New Zealand===
In New Zealand, Good Friday is a legal holiday<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.govt.nz/browse/work/public-holidays-and-work/public-holidays-and-anniversary-dates |title= Public holidays and anniversary dates |publisher= NZ Government |access-date= 17 March 2018 |archive-date= 19 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211219202841/https://www.govt.nz/browse/work/public-holidays-and-work/public-holidays-and-anniversary-dates/ |url-status= live }}</ref> and is a day of mandatory school closure for all New Zealand state and integrated schools.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://education.govt.nz/ministry-of-education/school-terms-and-holidays/more-information-about-setting-term-dates/#must|title= PMore information on setting term dates, holidays and closing days|date= 31 July 2015|access-date= 17 March 2018|archive-date= 15 November 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181115080635/http://www.education.govt.nz/ministry-of-education/school-terms-and-holidays/more-information-about-setting-term-dates/#must|url-status= live}}</ref> Good Friday is also a restricted trading day in New Zealand, which means that unexempted shops are not permitted to open on this day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/public-holidays/restricted-shop-trading-days/|title=Restricted shop trading days » Employment New Zealand|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105124616/https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/public-holidays/restricted-shop-trading-days/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Philippines===
In the predominantly [[Roman Catholicism in the Philippines|Roman Catholic]] [[Philippines]], the day is commemorated with street processions, the [[Way of the Cross]], the chanting of the ''[[Pasyon|Pasyón]]'', and performances of the ''Senákulo'' or [[Passion play]]. Some devotees engage in self-[[Flagellant|flagellation]] and even have themselves [[Crucifixion in the Philippines|crucified]] as expressions of penance despite health risks and strong disapproval from the Church.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/dozens-ignore-warnings-to-reenact-crucifixion-799322.html|title=Dozens ignore warnings to re-enact crucifixion|date=22 March 2008|access-date=23 March 2008|work=[[The Independent]]|location=London|first1=Kathy|last1=Marks|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111215207/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/dozens-ignore-warnings-to-reenact-crucifixion-799322.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Church bells are not rung and Masses are not celebrated, while television features movies, documentaries and other shows focused on the religious event and other topics related to the Catholic faith, broadcasting mostly religious content. Malls and shops are generally closed, as are restaurants as it is the second of three public holidays within the week.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}

After three o'clock in the afternoon (the time at which Jesus is traditionally believed to have died), the faithful venerate the cross in the local church and follow the procession of the Burial of Jesus.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}

In [[Cebu]] and many parts of the [[Visayan Islands]], people usually eat ''[[binignit]]'' and ''[[Cuisine of the Philippines#Merienda|biko]]'' as a form of fasting.<ref>Izobelle T. Pulgo, "[http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/90044/90044 Binignit: A Good Friday Cebuano soul food] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515175138/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/90044/90044 |date=15 May 2021 }}", ''Cebu Daily News'', 23 March 2016.</ref><ref>Deralyn Ramos, "[http://www.thici.com/sites/default/files/news/thibalita_march2013.pdf Holy Week in the Philippines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327212430/http://www.thici.com/sites/default/files/news/thibalita_march2013.pdf |date=27 March 2018 }}", ''Tsuneishi Balita'', March 2013, p. 4.</ref>

===Poland===
In Polish churches, a tableau of Christ's Tomb is unveiled in the sanctuary. Many of the faithful spend long hours into the night grieving at the Tomb, where it is customary to kiss the wounds on the Lord's body. A life-size figure of Jesus lying in his tomb is widely visited by the faithful, especially on Holy Saturday. The tableaux may include flowers, candles, figures of angels standing watch, and the three crosses atop Mt Calvary, and much more. Each parish strives to come up with the most artistically and religiously evocative arrangement in which the Blessed Sacrament, draped in a filmy veil, is prominently displayed.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}

===Singapore===
Good Friday is a public holiday in [[Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/HA1998?ProvIds=Sc-#Sc-|title=Holidays Act (Chapter 126)|date=1999|access-date=5 November 2021|website=Singapore Statutes Online|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107054157/https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/HA1998?ProvIds=Sc-#Sc-|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/HA1998?ProvIds=xv-#xv-|title=Holidays Act (Chapter 126), Legislative History|date=1999|access-date=5 November 2021|website=Singapore Statutes Online|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107002000/https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/HA1998?ProvIds=xv-#xv-|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Spain===
[[File:Nazarenosblancos.jpg|thumb|upright|Nazarenos wearing [[capirote]]s, in [[Málaga]], Spain]]
{{main|Holy Week in Spain|Holy Week in Málaga|Holy Week in Seville|Holy Week in Valladolid|Holy Week in Viveiro|Holy Week in Zamora}}

===United Kingdom===
[[File:Hot cross bun.jpg|thumb|[[Hot cross bun]]s are traditionally toasted and eaten on Good Friday in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8598312.stm|title=How did hot cross buns become two a penny?|first=Finlo|last=Rohrer|work=BBC News magazine|date=1 April 2010|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613213448/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8598312.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
In the [[UK]], Good Friday was historically a common law holiday and is recognised as an official public holiday<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_073741|title = Bank holidays and British Summer Time|publisher = Directgov|access-date = 19 April 2011|archive-date = 15 May 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110515020958/http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_073741|url-status = live}}</ref> (also known as a [[Bank Holiday]]). All state schools are closed and most businesses treat it as a holiday for staff; however, many retail stores now remain open. [[Northern Ireland Civil Service|Government]] services in Northern Ireland operate as normal on Good Friday, substituting [[Easter Tuesday]] for the holiday.

There has traditionally been no horse racing on Good Friday in the UK. However, in 2008, betting shops and stores opened for the first time on this day<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582366/Good-Friday-gambling-angers-churches.html|title=Good Friday gambling angers churches|work=The Telegraph|first=Jonathan|last=Petre|date=21 March 2008|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111220353/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582366/Good-Friday-gambling-angers-churches.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2014 Lingfield Park and Musselburgh staged the UK's first Good Friday race meetings.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/24458664|title=Lingfield: £1m Good Friday fixture to be held at Surrey racecourse|work=BBC News|date=9 October 2013|access-date=14 October 2013|archive-date=31 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031075930/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/24458664|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/musselburgh-to-host-historic-good-friday-racing-1-3136748|work=The Scotsman|title=Musselburgh to host historic Good Friday racing|first=Craig|last=Brown|date=11 October 2013|access-date=14 October 2013|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150559/http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/musselburgh-to-host-historic-good-friday-racing-1-3136748|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[BBC]] has for many years introduced its 7&nbsp;am News broadcast on [[BBC Radio 4|Radio 4]] on Good Friday with a verse from [[Isaac Watts]]' hymn "[[When I Survey the Wondrous Cross]]".

The tradition of Easter plays include 1960 Eastertime performance of [[Good Friday: A Play in Verse]] (1916) Artists [[Ursula O'Leary]] ([[Procula]]), and [[William Devlin (actor)|William Devlin]] as [[Pontius Pilate]], perform with the atmospheric sound effects of the [[BBC Radiophonic Workshop]]. The Hugh Stewart production for the [[Home Service]] used soundware such as the [[EMS Synthi 100]] and [[ARP Odyssey l]].<ref name=JMSYT>[[John Masefield Society]]: ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmp_IDlvzPw Good Friday: A Play in Verse (1916)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212204952/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmp_IDlvzPw |date=12 December 2021 }}''</ref>

===United States===
In the [[United States]], Good Friday is not a government holiday at the federal level; however, individual states, counties and municipalities may observe the holiday. Good Friday is a state holiday in [[Connecticut]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Government of Connecticut |url=https://portal.ct.gov/About/Legal-Holidays-in-the-State/ |title=Legal State Holidays |newspaper=Ct.gov - Connecticut's Official State Website |publisher=CT.gov |access-date=30 March 2018 |archive-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003011204/https://portal.ct.gov/About/Legal-Holidays-in-the-State/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Delaware]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://delawarepersonnel.com/labor/holidays/2012.shtml |title=Delaware – Office of Management and Budget – State of Delaware Holidays |publisher=Delawarepersonnel.com |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118025425/http://www.delawarepersonnel.com/labor/holidays/2012.shtml |archive-date=18 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Florida]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law2.onecle.com/florida/commercial-relations/683.01.html |title=Title XXXIX Commercial Relations Section 683.01 Legal holidays. |work=onecle.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202113002/http://law2.onecle.com/florida/commercial-relations/683.01.html |archive-date= 2 February 2014 }}</ref> [[Hawaii]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.miraclesalad.com/webtools/holidays.php |title=Hawaii State Holidays for 2014 |publisher=Miraclesalad.com |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208192726/http://www.miraclesalad.com/webtools/holidays.php |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Indiana]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.in.gov/sos/2369.htm |title=Secretary of State: 2011 Indiana State Holidays |publisher=In.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213021322/https://www.in.gov/sos/2369.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Kentucky]] (half-day),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://personnel.ky.gov/pages/leave.aspx |title=Holidays |publisher=Personnel.ky.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216090915/https://personnel.ky.gov/pages/leave.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Louisiana]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Sandra G. Gillen, CPPB |url=http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm |title=2014 State Holidays Calendar Observed by OSP |publisher=Doa.louisiana.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220849/http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm |archive-date=1 February 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[New Jersey]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.gov/nj/about/facts/holidays/ |title=The Official Web Site for The State of New Jersey &#124; State Holidays |publisher=Nj.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912145005/https://nj.gov/nj/about/facts/holidays/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[North Carolina]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ic.nc.gov/ncic/pages/holiday.htm |title=N.C. State Government Holiday Schedule for 2013 and 2014 |publisher=Ic.nc.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211000249/http://www.ic.nc.gov/ncic/pages/holiday.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[North Dakota]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theholidayschedule.com/north-dakota-state-holidays.html |title=North Dakota State Holidays 2014 |publisher=The Holiday Schedule |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818004429/http://www.theholidayschedule.com/north-dakota-state-holidays.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tennessee]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov/state-holidays.html |title=Official State Holidays |publisher=TN.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529191633/http://www.tn.gov/state-holidays.html |archive-date=29 May 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and [[Texas]].<ref>In addition to holidays where offices are closed, Texas also has "partial staffing holidays" (where offices are required to be open for public business, but where employees may take it off as a holiday) and "optional holidays" (where an employee may take off in lieu of taking off on a partial staffing holiday; Good Friday is an optional holiday).</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ref/abouttx/holidays.html |title=Texas State Holidays |publisher=The State of Texas |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-date=13 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413132906/https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ref/abouttx/holidays.html |url-status=live }}</ref> State and local government offices and courts are closed, as well as some banks and post offices in these states, and in those counties and municipalities where Good Friday is observed as a holiday. Good Friday is also a holiday in the U.S. territories of [[Guam]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2012/guam.htm |title=Guam Public Holidays 2012 (Oceania) |publisher=Qppstudio.net |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083620/http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2012/guam.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2012/virgin_islands__u_s_.htm |title=US Virgin Islands Public Holidays 2012 (Americas/Caribbean) |publisher=Qppstudio.net |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083622/http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2012/virgin_islands__u_s_.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and [[Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topuertorico.org/reference/holi.shtml |title=Puerto Rican Holidays |publisher=Topuertorico.org |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514184108/http://www.topuertorico.org/reference/holi.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

The stock markets are closed on Good Friday,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars#holidays|title=NYSE: Holidays and Trading Hours|work=nyse.com|access-date=6 April 2015|archive-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509070356/https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars#holidays|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.money-zine.com/Investing/Stocks/Stock-Market-Holidays/ |title=Stock Market Holidays |publisher=Money-zine.com |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=25 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825050658/http://www.money-zine.com/investing/stocks/stock-market-holidays/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but the foreign exchange and bond trading markets open for a partial business day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cmegroup.com/tools-information/holiday-calendar/files/2015-chicago-trading-floor-holiday-schedule.pdf |title=CME Group Chicago Trading Floor Holiday Schedule for 2015 |work=CME Group |access-date=6 April 2015 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001104531/https://www.cmegroup.com/tools-information/holiday-calendar/files/2015-chicago-trading-floor-holiday-schedule.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sifma.org/services/holiday-schedule/#us2015|title=Holiday Schedule|work=sifma.org|access-date=6 April 2015|archive-date=18 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718090250/http://www.sifma.org/services/holiday-schedule/#us2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Most retail stores remain open, while some of them may close early. Public schools and universities are often closed on Good Friday, either as a holiday of its own, or as part of [[spring break]]. The postal service operates, and banks regulated by the federal government do not close for Good Friday.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.opm.gov/operating_status_schedules/fedhol/2012.asp |title=Federal Holidays |publisher=Opm.gov |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116022207/http://www.opm.gov/Operating_Status_Schedules/fedhol/2012.asp |url-status=live }}</ref>

In some governmental contexts Good Friday has been referred to by a generic name such as "spring holiday".<ref>[http://www.co.rock.wi.us/current-news/1195-spring-holiday-office-closing-friday-april-18] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414081148/http://www.co.rock.wi.us/current-news/1195-spring-holiday-office-closing-friday-april-18|date=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/iowa-town-renames-good-friday/story?id=10233061|title=Iowa Town Renames Good Friday to 'Spring Holiday'|work=ABC News|first=Russell|last=Goldman|date=29 March 2010|access-date=23 April 2014|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002232857/https://abcnews.go.com/US/iowa-town-renames-good-friday/story?id=10233061|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Abe |url=http://wnmu.edu/events/spring-holiday/ |title=Spring Holiday – Western New Mexico University |publisher=Wnmu.edu |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511132128/https://wnmu.edu/events/spring-holiday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1999, in the case of ''Bridenbaugh v. O'Bannon'', an Indiana state employee sued the governor for giving state employees Good Friday as a day off. The US Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the plaintiff, stating that the government could give state employees a paid day off when that day is a religious holiday, including Good Friday, but only so long as the state can provide a valid secular purpose that coincides with the obvious religious purpose of the holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/good-friday|title=Good Friday in the United States|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803000248/https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/good-friday|url-status=live}}</ref>