Why is Good Friday not a holiday in Italy?

Despite the Catholic tradition, Good Friday, known as Good Friday, is not a national holiday in Italy. The date, which in 2025 will be April 18, is marked by religious rituals and symbolic events, but is not among the country's 11 national holidays.

Portuguese nationality

You may be entitled to it. We'll show you which path makes the most sense for your situation. Grandchild or great-grandchild. We'll check if you're eligible.

DISCOVER NOW

ADVERTISING

The main reason lies in the nature of the celebration. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is considered a day of mourning rather than celebration. Unlike Easter or Christmas, there is no celebration, but rather reflection and silence, which prevents it from being recognized as a civil holiday.

Even though it is not an official holiday, the date is celebrated with solemnity by Catholic faithful throughout Italy. Churches cover religious images with dark fabrics and no masses are held — which, according to scholars, contributed to the date being excluded from the official holiday calendar.

Read also

McDonald's sues for €70.000 after employee closes store early, but court rules in his favor.

Ceremonies in Rome and around the country

The best known event is the Via Crucis (Via-Sacra) in Rome, held near the Colosseum. The procession follows the 14 stations that symbolize the Passion of Christ. Traditionally led by the Pope, the celebration begins at 21:15 PM and is open to the public.

This year, there are still doubts about the participation of Pope Francis, who is recovering from pneumonia. Even so, the procession is confirmed, bringing together faithful and visitors.

Other Italian regions also hold processions with their own characteristics. In Enna, Sicily, around 3 men from local brotherhoods march in traditional costumes, carrying images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

In the city of Chieti, in Abruzzo, one of the oldest celebrations in the country takes place: the Procession of the Dead Christ, dating back to the 400th century. During the procession, an orchestra with XNUMX musicians plays “Miserere” by local composer Saverio Selecchy.

Operation of trade

As the date is not a holiday, shops and public services will operate normally on Friday, April 18. However, some workers may choose to extend the weekend, linking it with Easter Monday, a national holiday known as Easter Monday.

Easter Sunday (Easter Sunday) it's at Easter Monday are official holidays and have special programs in many Italian cities.