Good Friday in New Zealand

Good Friday is a religious and statutory public holiday in New Zealand. It is on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many Christians remember Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday.

The cross - a reminder of Jesus' suffering and death.

©iStockphoto.com/wwing

What do people do?

Good Friday is the start of a four-day weekend, which includes Easter Monday, in New Zealand. Many people go on short trips out of town or spend time with family. Many churches hold special services and some may hold long prayer vigils. Some churches, especially Catholic churches, see Good Friday as a fast day and people only eat three small meals and, often, no meat at all. Some people substitute meat with fish.

Public life

Good Friday is a public holiday in New Zealand so schools, government offices and many businesses are closed.

Background

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day of mourning for Christians. It is an important date in church calendars, as the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are central events in Christian beliefs. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox.

Symbols

The cross is a popular Good Friday symbol. It is a reminder of the cross that Jesus died on

About Good Friday in other countries

Good Friday Observances

Related holiday

• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in New Zealand