What Do People Do On Good Friday

Last year, I texted my friend Maria on a Friday afternoon, suggesting we grab a coffee. She replied with a single, bewildered emoji: a fish. I was confused until she reminded me it was Good Friday. She wasn’t being cryptic—she was eating fish because she couldn’t eat meat.

That little moment got me thinking. Good Friday is this weird, quiet day wedged between the chaos of Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. But what do people actually do on it? It’s not a universal holiday, yet for millions, it’s a day off, a day of reverence—or a day of pure confusion. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Church Crowd: Quiet, Reflective, and Slightly Gloomy

For practicing Christians, especially Catholics, Orthodox, and some Protestants, Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year. It’s not a party—it’s the day they commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. You won’t hear “Hallelujah” in church; you’ll hear silence or mournful hymns. Some folks even fast or eat only one full meal (no, that jumbo latte doesn’t count, sorry).

In many churches, they do something called Veneration of the Cross. Picture this: people line up to kiss a wooden cross or bow before it. It sounds a bit medieval, but trust me, it’s deeply moving for them. Others participate in Stations of the Cross, a slow walk through 14 scenes of Jesus’ final day. It’s like a sorrowful, prayerful scavenger hunt.

I once attended a Good Friday service, and I kid you not, the priest left the sanctuary in total darkness. The only light came from a single candle. Everyone shuffled out in complete silence. It was haunting—but also kind of beautiful, you know? (Side note: bring tissues if you go; it’s dusty in there.)

But Wait—Who Actually Gets the Day Off?

Here’s the thing: Good Friday is a public holiday in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. But in the US? It’s not a federal holiday. So while some people are at church, others are staring at their laptops wondering why their inbox is so quiet. Irony alert: the stock market is closed, but your boss might still expect that spreadsheet.

If you live in a place where it’s a holiday, you might get a four-day weekend (hello, Easter Monday!). That means you’re free to… well, do whatever your tradition says—or ignore it completely. No judgment here.

Fish Fries and Hot Cross Buns: The Food Angle

You can’t talk about Good Friday without mentioning food. For Catholics, it’s a day of abstinence from meat. So what do they eat? Fish. Hence my friend’s cryptic fish emoji. Churches and community centers across the US and UK hold massive Fish Fries. It’s like a potluck but with more tartar sauce.

And then there are Hot Cross Buns. You know, those spiced, sweet buns with a white cross on top? People eat them on Good Friday for tradition, but honestly, they’re delicious any day. Pro tip: toast one with butter—it’s heaven. (Some say you should eat them only on Good Friday. I say rules are made to be bent.)

In Poland and parts of Eastern Europe, they make a dish called Żurek, a sour rye soup with sausage—but wait, no meat? It’s complicated. Let’s just say food on Good Friday is a maze of rules and loopholes. If you’re a vegetarian, you’re basically a saint for 24 hours.

The “I’m Just Here for the Long Weekend” Crew

Let’s be real: not everyone observes Good Friday religiously. For many, it’s a Friday with no work, which means sleeping in, binge-watching Netflix, or starting that home renovation project you’ve been avoiding. And that’s totally fine. The day’s meaning isn’t diminished because you’re in pajamas until noon.

Some people use it as a spring cleaning day. Why? Because it’s quiet, the stores are closed or have weird hours, and you can finally scrub that oven. Others head to the beach if the weather’s nice. In Australia, Good Friday is often the start of the Easter school holidays—so you’ll see families camping or barbecuing (yes, even without meat for some).

I’ve even heard of folks treating it like a “digital detox” day. No social media, no news—just reading a book or walking in nature. It’s ironic that a day about death becomes a day of quiet peace for the non-religious. Maybe there’s a lesson there?

The Weird Traditions You Didn’t Know About

In Bermuda, people fly kites on Good Friday. Why? Legend says a teacher used a kite to explain the crucifixion and resurrection to children. Now it’s a national pastime. Imagine that: a beach full of colorful kites representing a somber event. It’s surreal, but I love it.

In the Philippines, there are extreme traditions—like actual crucifixions. Devotees nail themselves to crosses as an act of penance. Before you cringe, know that the Catholic Church doesn’t endorse this. It’s more of a local folk practice. Meanwhile, in the UK, people play coin-tossing games like “tossing the pancake” (wait, that’s Shrove Tuesday). Actually, some pubs stay open, and friends gather for a drink. Because Brits will find any excuse for a pint.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Honestly, what people do on Good Friday boils down to one thing: pause. Whether you’re praying in a dark church, biting into a flaky fish fillet, or just enjoying the silence of an empty office building, the day forces a stop. In a world that never slows down, that’s a rare gift.

And if you’re still wondering what to do? Maybe take a cue from Maria. Send a friend a weird emoji, eat something without meat, and take a breath. The Easter bunny is coming—but for one day, just be still. (Or clean your oven. Your call.)