Commemorating Good Friday 2024

Brief Introduction About Good Friday

View of a white concrete crucifix from the ground. (Source: Photo by Win van't Einde on Unsplash)

Good Friday is part of a Christian tradition called Holy Week, which is a part of the Lenten season. It is meant to commemorate the Friday that Jesus Christ was tortured and crucified over 2000 years ago, which ultimately led to his death. In most Catholic and Christian countries, Good Friday is a public holiday, along with Maundy Thursday.

In total, Holy Week consists of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is the culmination of the entire Christian Lenten season which began on Ash Wednesday.

Palm Sunday

• Palm Sunday officially begins the Holy Week. It is meant to celebrate Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. Christians wave up woven palm leaves during mass to commemorate the event.

Priest holding palm leaves for Palm Sunday. (Source: Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash)

Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday

• The first two holy days of the week, Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, are meant to reflect on the key events of Jesus Christ's life. These include his important teachings, experiences, and miracles.

Holy Wednesday or Spy Wednesday

• Holy Wednesday is when Judas Iscariot's plan to betray Jesus Christ is remembered. Thus, the day is also known as Spy Wednesday, as Judas acted as a spy in Jesus' midst. The information that he relayed to Jesus' captors is what ultimately led to the crucifixion.

Maundy Thursday

• Maundy Thursday was when Jesus Christ held his last meal with his twelve apostles. The meal is famously known as the Last Supper. The renowned painter Leonardo da Vinci created his painting "The Last Supper" based on this event.
• The washing of the apostles' feet was also done by Jesus Christ on this day. It was an act of service to depict his love and respect for his followers. A reenactment is usually done in churches and chapels on this day.

Good Friday

Three crosses for Good Friday commemoration. (Source: Photo by David Bailey on Pixabay)

Good Friday, as already discussed, is when Jesus was scourged, tortured, and maimed. He was crucified and then died on the cross. People commemorate Jesus Christ's suffering by fasting, doing penance, visiting the Stations of the Cross, and attending special church services.

Black Saturday

Black Saturday is the full day that Jesus Christ was dead. The term black comes from the collective grief the Christians endured while believing Jesus to be dead.

A special mass is usually held on this day while the crucifix is covered up with a black cloth. Sometimes, the crucifix is taken out of the church completely. It is to depict Jesus's absence from the physical world since he is already dead.

Easter Sunday

Finally, Easter Sunday is the day of Jesus Christ's resurrection into heaven. He came back to life after three days inside a tomb. Easter Sunday is seen as a joyous occasion in the Christian religion. Apart from a traditional mass, special events are also held by the church.

Secular organizations and groups are even known to celebrate Easter Sunday as well. Easter egg hunts, easter bunnies, and easter chocolates are only some of the famous items given to both adults and children on Easter Sunday.

When is Good Friday?

Good Friday 2024 is on March 29. It is important to note that Good Friday does not happen on the same exact date each year. The date changes according to when Ash Wednesday, or the first day of Lent, is celebrated. Easter Sunday happens exactly 40 days or six weeks after Ash Wednesday.

The date of Ash Wednesday is first calculated according to the lunar calendar. Jewish traditions come into account for this as well because the feast of the Passover also follows lunar cycles.

Dates of Good Friday in the Past and Upcoming Two Years

• Good Friday 2024: March 29

Past

• Good Friday 2023: April 7
• Good Friday 2022: April 15

Future

• Good Friday 2025: April 18
• Good Friday 2026: April 3

What is Good Friday?

As mentioned, the day itself is named Good Friday because it was when Jesus Christ was put on the cross. Since the death of Jesus Christ is commemorated, Good Friday is treated with solemnity. There are certain practices that all Christians do on this day.

Abstinence and Fasting on Good Friday

A portion of bread, a crucifix, and a glass of water for Lenten fasting. (Source: Photo by Kamil Szumotalski on Unsplash)

Christians are expected to abstain from eating all types of meat on Good Friday. These include chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and other kinds of meat. Alternatives such as fish, tofu, fruits, and grains are consumed instead. There are also those who opt to completely fast from all types of food for the entire day.

Church Services and Events on Good Friday

Closeup of Jesus Christ's face on the cross. (Source: Photo by Robert Allmann on Pixabay)

Church services held on Good Friday are catered to the story of Jesus' torture and suffering before his death.

Many Christian groups like to hold role-play events to depict the specific details of Jesus Christ's journey to the cross in Jerusalem. Usually, the performance is done inside the church while the spectators watch from the pews. Other parishes like to hold performances in the outdoors wherein they can show Jesus' actual journey of carrying the cross, being tortured on his back, and then getting nailed on the cross.

For smaller churches and chapels, a small installation of the Stations of the Cross is done instead of the performance. The 14 Stations of the Cross are artworks or paintings that show each specific hardship that Jesus Christ endured before his death. Churchgoers can then view each station and reflect on Jesus Christ's suffering.

14 Stations of the Cross

Life-sized sculpture of Station 2: Jesus carries his Cross. (Source: Photo by Dorothée QUENNESSON on Pixabay)

The 14 Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, are:

• Station 1: Jesus condemned to death by Pontius Pilate
• Station 2: Jesus carries his Cross
• Station 3: Jesus falls for the first time
• Station 4: Jesus meets his Mother Mary
• Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his Cross
• Station 6: Veronica uses her veil to wipe the face of Jesus
• Station 7: Jesus falls for the second time
• Station 8: Jesus meets and speaks with the women of Jerusalem
• Station 9: Jesus falls for the third time
• Station 10: Jesus is stripped of his garments or the Division of Robes
• Station 11: Jesus is nailed to the Cross
• Station 12: Jesus Crist passed away on the Cross
• Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the Cross
• Station 14: Jesus is laid inside the tomb

Most churches also like to include a 15th station of the cross to depict the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its inclusion has slowly grown to be a norm in other Christian groups as well. Many people find that including the resurrection is a positive ending to the journey of Jesus' suffering.

Where Does Good Friday Usually Happen?

As mentioned, most churches hold their own special services and events to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ.

Larger institutions are usually capable of having separate outdoor performances to depict the entire journey of Jesus from his torture until his final crucifixion. On the other hand, smaller parishes usually decorate their churches with the 14 Stations of the Cross. All churchgoers are invited to partake in the events and reflect on the hardships that Jesus Christ went through to save them from sin.

Who Celebrates Good Friday?

Good Friday church service. (Source: Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash)

Good Friday is commemorated by Christians all around the world. It is a day treated with solemnity as the death of Jesus Christ is remembered. Christian groups hold church services, reenactments, and special events to help their members reflect on Jesus' death.

While Good Friday traditions are generally similar for all Christian groups, certain places and countries tend to have a unique way of following them. For example, Christians in Bermuda follow a tradition of flying handmade kites on Good Friday. The kites are meant to represent Jesus Christ's eventual resurrection and ascension.

Countries like Mexico, the Philippines, and Spain like to hold special parades in their towns and cities. People who join in on the parades are encouraged to do physical penance by carrying large crosses, wearing dark garments, and sometimes even doing actual flagellations on their bodies. For some groups, the practice of fasting and abstinence is strictly implemented, while others are more lenient with their meal traditions.

What are the Origins of Good Friday?

The commemoration of Good Friday sprouted from the practice of Lent in Christianity. The Lenten season is meant to mark the 40 days and nights that Jesus Christ spent alone in the desert. He fasted for the entire time and was believed to have fought against the devil's temptation. It is where the tradition of fasting and abstinence came from.

Many early Christians eventually began to observe Holy Week as the end of Lent neared. They spent the week reflecting on the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ, as well as holding other special services. Good Friday became a key part of Holy Week because it highlighted the most crucial moment in the life of Jesus Christ– his death.

What Rituals are Associated with Good Friday?

There are several rituals that Christians follow and perform during Good Friday. While these are not required, they are highly encouraged in order to help Christians understand Jesus' hardships.

Fasting and Abstinence

As mentioned, Christians are encouraged to stay away from all types of meat on Good Friday, and the entirety of the Lenten season. Lamb, deer, chicken, beef, and pork are not meant to be consumed. Only fish, bread, fruits, vegetables, and other food alternatives are allowed.

The practice of fasting and abstaining is meant to represent what Jesus Christ went through for 40 days alone in the desert. He fasted for the entirety of his time in the desert.

Pilgrimage

Pilgrims walking in Bethlehem. (Source: Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash)

A pilgrimage is a religious excursion or tour to a holy place. Many Christians choose to visit the Holy Land not only on Good Friday but throughout the Holy Week. This is because the churches in Jerusalem are popular places to hold pilgrimages. The old parishes and landmarks are historically important as they were real places that Jesus Christ visited during his life.

The Stations of the Cross and other special religious exhibitions that tourists can explore and reflect on are set up all throughout Jerusalem. Those who are interested in taking a trip to the Holy Land can maximize their time by opting for day tours around the old city.

Holy Jerusalem Private Tour

A private tour of the holy city is an appropriate way to commemorate Good Friday. A designated tour guide will bring the group all around the most famous sites around Jerusalem. Visit the most important religious churches and areas in Jerusalem while appreciating its rich history with the Holy Jerusalem Private Tour.

Jerusalem Walking Tour

Those who prefer a more relaxed exploration of the city of Jerusalem for Good Friday 2024 can opt for a walking tour instead. It consists of approximately 10 to 20-minute stops at key places in the holy city. Tourists can briefly explore each area and take photos while being accompanied by their tour guide.

Reenactments

Reenactment of Jesus Christ carrying the cross. (Source: Photo by INOCENTE SANCHEZ GUADARRAMA on Pexels)

A live reenactment of Jesus' final days before his death is commonly held in various churches and parishes. They are commonly known as Passion Plays as they center around the passion and death of Jesus. The plays usually start with Jesus Christ's washing of his disciples' feet during the Last Supper and end with his death on the cross. The highlight of every reenactment is the seven last words that Jesus uttered right before he died.

Penance

Man carrying a cross for penance. (Source: Photo by Soul Winner's For Christ on Pexels)

Some people choose to honor Jesus' suffering by inflicting physical penance on themselves. Certain countries hold parades that allow Christians to join in by scourging themselves on the back and carrying a large cross across town. Physical penance is meant to remind Christians of the intense physical pain that Jesus went through to save them from their sins.

Stations of the Cross

Finally, the Stations of the Cross are put up in every church to depict the 14 key events that led to Jesus’ death on the cross. Artworks, sculptures, and paintings that show each station are displayed in each church so that each person visiting can reflect.

What is the Meaning Behind Good Friday?

In the past, the term "good" used to mean "holy". Good Friday was seen as a holy event because it was the day that the god of the Christians died for their sins. Jesus Christ's goodness granted them freedom from pain and hurt. Thus, Christians view Good Friday as proof of their redemption from sin..

What to Do for Good Friday 2024?

Group of people praying. (Source: Photo by Pedro Lima on Unsplash)

People looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Good Friday 2024 can opt for these special tours.

Good Friday Flower Carpet Tour

Those who are visiting Guatemala on Good Friday might want to check out the special flower carpet tour. It features carpet designs inspired by Good Friday. It begins at exactly 3pm on March 29, 2024. The Good Friday Flower Carpet Tour is open for all adults and children aged 7 and over.

Semana Santa Good Friday Processions Tour

Also in Guatemala, the Semana Santa Good Friday Processions Tour is another great way to commemorate Good Friday It is meant to educate tourists on the traditions and activities done in Guatemala on Good Friday.

Tourists can take the processional route and walk with the group before the official procession parade passes by. The iconic flower carpets mentioned in the first tour will also be part of this tour. Visitors can take as many photos as they want.

The Good Friday Food Experience

People who want a different overseas Good Friday 2024 experience can visit Mdina, the capital city of Malta. Joiners will be guided around Mdina city and a suburb called Rabat. All of the unique Good Friday and Holy Week practices will be discussed as the tour goes on.

There will be special Holy Week exhibitions put up around the city that each visitor can view. Iconic churches that have the Altar of the Repose are also included in the tour. People can enjoy seeing lifelike 18th-century statues which the locals will carry around town on their backs.

Finally, a key part of this tour is the food. The rules of Christian fasting and abstinence will be taught and followed. Special foods such as carob deserts, bread, qassatat, and pies will be served.

Where to Stay for Good Friday2024?

Pilgrims planning to visit the holy city of Jerusalem for Holy Week and Good Friday can choose from a range of highly-rated hotels.

The Inbal Jerusalem

Tourists who want easy access to the city's main city center can opt for the Inbal Jerusalem for Good Friday 2024. It is strategically located near both the old city and modern Jerusalem. Many guests choose to walk to get around because of its close proximity to both areas. The Inbal Jerusalem is also one of the city's top-rated accommodations for tourists. That being said, the room prices are more on the heftier side.

Alrowwad Guesthouse

Those who prefer an affordable homestay can check in to the Alrowwad Guesthouse for Good Friday 2024. It is located in Bethlehem and is only a few kilometers away from plenty of famous areas. There is a wide variety of room types to choose from, depending on the size of the group.

Ibis Styles Jerusalem City Center

People who still want a hotel experience at a decent price can stay at the Ibis Styles Jerusalem City Center for Good Friday 2024. It is situated right in Jerusalem's city center, making it accessible to all key landmarks and important commodities. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, good meals, and public vehicle parking spaces.

How to Commemorate Good Friday

Person praying over a bible. (Source: Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash)

While Good Friday is known to be a solemn and serious occasion, it is also important to note that there are no hard rules about how each person should celebrate it. Most Christians are known to practice fasting, abstinence, prayer, reenactments, and pilgrimages. However, this may not be the case for all of them.

For example, there may be some Christians who cannot fully abstain from certain food due to health conditions or food supply shortages. There might also be those who do not live near any churches that have reenactment events or special services for the Stations of the Cross.

It is not a requirement to participate in any of the famous traditions for Good Friday. People can choose to reflect on Good Friday in their own ways. A simple prayer or intention is also more than enough to celebrate the occasion of Jesus' death.

In the end, what is important is the reason why a person chooses to commemorate Good Friday 2024 and Holy Week as a whole.