Good Friday

**Good Friday in Argentina** Good Friday, known as *Viernes Santo* in Spanish, is a significant religious holiday in Argentina, observed as part of Holy Week (*Semana Santa*). It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day of solemn reflection, prayer, and penance for the predominantly Catholic population. In Argentina, Good Friday is a national public holiday, allowing people to participate in religious services and spend time with family. Many attend church services, including the Stations of the Cross (*Via Crucis*), which reenacts Jesus' journey to Calvary. Processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ are also common in various towns and cities, with some regions hosting elaborate events that draw large crowds. Traditionally, Argentinians abstain from eating red meat on Good Friday, opting instead for fish-based dishes such as *bacalao* (salted cod) or *empanadas de vigilia* (meatless empanadas). The day is marked by a quiet and reflective atmosphere, with many businesses and government offices closed. Good Friday is an integral part of Argentina's cultural and religious heritage, blending Catholic traditions with local customs, and serves as a time for spiritual renewal and community connection.