Good Friday 2025

Description

Good Friday in Costa Rica is a serious and quiet public holiday. It is a day for thinking about the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Many people see it as a time for reflection and prayer.

Good Friday takes place on the Friday before Easter Sunday. The exact date changes each year because it follows the church calendar. It always falls during the period called Holy Week leading to Easter.

The holiday is significant because Costa Rica has many people who follow the Catholic faith. For them this day is one of the most important in the church year. It marks the moment Christians believe Jesus gave his life for others.

Good Friday also has national importance. Many businesses and schools close so families and communities can observe the day. The mood across the country is calm and respectful as people remember what the day means.

Traditions

On Good Friday in Costa Rica people join solemn processions and dramatic reenactments of the Passion. Towns fill with actors wearing costumes. Streets grow quiet during these events and many families watch in respectful silence near the route.

Church rituals are common. Services include veneration of the cross, prayers, and the Stations of the Cross outdoors or inside. Some people visit several churches and many light candles. Churches often stay full from morning into the evening with soft singing and moments of reflection.

Food is simple and mostly meat free for many families. Typical dishes include fried or baked fish, rice, beans, plantains and tamales. Families share meals quietly after services and sometimes prepare traditional sweets like empanadas.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks, and government offices close on Good Friday. Plan ahead for groceries, medicines, and cash. Public transport may run less often, and roads to beaches and churches get very busy in the morning and late afternoon.

Attend local community events and respectful public gatherings to enjoy the day. Book accommodation and tours early. Stay aware of altered bus schedules and road closures. Keep valuables safe, follow crowd instructions, and be polite to locals to have a safe and meaningful visit.