Good Friday 2025
Date: April 18, 2025 (Friday)
Country: Chile Public Holidays
Description
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that remembers the day Jesus was crucified. It is a solemn day of mourning and reflection about his suffering and death, which Christians believe led to forgiveness and new life.
Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date changes each year because it follows the lunar based church calendar. In Chile it is always a public holiday, so it is observed nationwide on that Friday.
The day is important because it marks a key event in the story of Jesus, central to Christian belief. It closes Holy Week and prepares people for Easter, which celebrates Jesus rising from the dead.
In Chile this holiday has deep religious and cultural meaning for many people. It is a time when communities and families pause work and school to focus on reflection, faith and remembering a pivotal moment in Christianity.
Traditions
On Good Friday many Chileans go to church for special services and the Stations of the Cross. Towns hold slow processions with people carrying statues, lighting candles, and singing hymns. The mood is quiet and respectful.
Families often gather for a shared meal. It is common to avoid meat and serve fish and seafood dishes, like baked fish, seafood stews, or empanadas filled with shellfish. Bread, salads, and simple desserts complete the meal.
Some people fast or spend time in prayer and reflection at home. Others visit relatives or help organize community processions. Shops and businesses may be closed, so neighborhoods feel calm and subdued for the day.
Travel Tips
Banks, many shops, and public offices are often closed on Good Friday. Public transport can run on a reduced schedule, and roads to beaches and coastal towns get busy. Book tickets and accommodations in advance and carry some cash.
Check local event listings for concerts and public gatherings and confirm times online. Dress respectfully and stay with your group in crowded places. Keep important medicines, a charged phone, and a note with emergency contacts. Know pharmacy hours because many have limited service.