Good Friday Observed on April 3, 2026

Christians around the world will observe Good Friday on April 3, 2026, a solemn day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ in first-century Roman-occupied Judea. The observance, part of Holy Week, falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which arrives two days later on April 5, 2026, for Western Christians, including Catholics and Protestants.

Good Friday holds profound spiritual significance for believers, symbolizing sacrifice, forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love. According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested after the Last Supper, tried by Roman governor Pontius Pilate, and executed by crucifixion at Golgotha, or Calvary. Early Christians marked the day with fasting and mourning, a tradition that evolved into structured church services reading the Passion narrative, often from the Gospel of John. The term "Good" refers to the holy nature of Christ's sacrifice, which Christians believe brought salvation and hope, paving the way for the resurrection celebrated at Easter.

In the United States, Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so most federal offices remain open. However, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close for the day, with trading...