Good Friday

Good Friday, known as *Viernes Santo* in Spanish, is a significant religious holiday in Chile, observed as part of Holy Week (*Semana Santa*). It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day of solemn reflection and prayer for many Chileans. As a predominantly Catholic country, Chile marks this day with various religious traditions, including church services, processions, and reenactments of the Stations of the Cross. In cities and towns across Chile, people participate in processions that often feature statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, accompanied by hymns and prayers. Many attend Mass, where the Passion of Christ is read, and some churches hold special ceremonies, such as the veneration of the cross. Good Friday is a public holiday in Chile, with most businesses, schools, and government offices closed. It is a day for families to come together, often sharing traditional meals, though meat is typically avoided in observance of the solemn nature of the day. Instead, dishes like *bacalao* (salted cod) or seafood are common. Overall, Good Friday in Chile is a deeply spiritual day that blends religious devotion with cultural traditions, reflecting the country's strong Catholic heritage.