Good Friday

Good Friday, known as "Sexta-Feira Santa" in Portugal, is a significant religious holiday observed by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is part of the Holy Week ("Semana Santa") celebrations. In Portugal, a predominantly Catholic country, Good Friday is a solemn day marked by religious processions, church services, and acts of penance. Many towns and cities across Portugal hold traditional processions featuring statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, often accompanied by somber music and participants dressed in religious attire. These processions reflect the deep-rooted Catholic traditions and the cultural heritage of the country. Churches hold special liturgies, including the reading of the Passion of Christ and the veneration of the cross. Good Friday is a public holiday in Portugal, and many businesses and government offices are closed. It is a day of reflection and fasting for many, with some abstaining from meat as a form of penance. Traditional foods, such as "bacalhau" (salted codfish), are commonly prepared and shared with family. Overall, Good Friday in Portugal is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich observance, blending religious devotion with centuries-old traditions.