Good Friday 2025
Date: April 18, 2025 (Friday)
Country: Guadeloupe Public Holidays
Description
Good Friday in Guadeloupe is an important religious public holiday. People remember the day Christians believe Jesus was crucified. It is a quiet and solemn day for many, focused on prayer, thought, and respect for suffering.
The date changes every year because it depends on Easter. Good Friday always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Easter itself is set by the first full moon after the spring equinox, so Good Friday can be in March or April.
The holiday is significant because it marks Jesus giving his life for others according to Christian belief. For communities in Guadeloupe it connects faith with local identity and culture. It is part of Holy Week, the final days leading to Easter, which many Christians see as the heart of their faith.
Traditions
In Guadeloupe families join church services with prayers, hymns, and processions through village streets. People often take part in reenactments of the Passion with simple costumes. Silence and respect mark the day as communities gather together.
Meals focus on fish and seafood instead of meat. Common dishes include fried accras fritters, salted cod prepared with vegetables, and grilled fish served with rice and local sauces. Sweets like sweet potato pudding or coconut desserts appear in some homes.
Rituals include the Stations of the Cross, candlelight vigils, and sometimes visits to churchyards to leave flowers. Neighbors share food and sit together to remember and support one another in a calm, reflective way.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and some restaurants close or have reduced hours on Good Friday. Public transport and interisland ferries may run less often. Carry cash, check schedules in advance, and book spots for popular tours or restaurants early.
Be ready for crowded beaches, roads and tourist sites in the morning and late afternoon. Bring sun protection, water and ID. Join public events safely by staying with a group and following local guidance. Use official taxi or rental services and note emergency numbers.