Good Friday 2025

Description

Good Friday in Curaçao is a solemn public holiday for many people. It is a day when Christians remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Schools, banks, and many businesses are closed or have limited hours.

The date changes every year because it follows the Christian calendar. Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It can be in March or April depending on the lunar cycle and how Easter is calculated.

The holiday is important for religious reasons and for the community. It offers time for reflection, prayer, and quiet. For many families it is a day to think about forgiveness, sacrifice, and the meaning of faith.

In Curaçao the day is part of a larger Holy Week leading up to Easter. Because it is an official holiday, it has social and cultural significance across the island. People recognize it as a time to pause and remember.

Traditions

On Good Friday in Curaçao people go to church for quiet services and prayer. Some communities hold processions or small reenactments of the Passion. Music is soft and the mood is very reflective and calm.

Families often gather for simple meals. Fish is common, served with funchi or rice and vegetables. Many people avoid meat until after the holiday and share food with neighbors and relatives.

People visit cemeteries to clean graves and to remember loved ones. Some listen to radio or watch solemn programs about the day. Shops and offices are usually closed or open for limited hours.

Travel Tips

Many banks and government offices are closed. Some shops and supermarkets have reduced hours, though restaurants and hotels usually stay open. Expect road closures and crowds around main towns like Punda and Otrobanda at midday and evening.

Check opening hours before you go and book restaurants or tours early. Carry cash in case ATMs or banks are closed. Bring water, sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes. Follow local signs, respect crowded areas, and keep your belongings secure while enjoying events and the calm beaches.