Good Friday

Good Friday History

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a time of reflection and solemnity, viewed as a crucial event in Christian faith which signifies the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus for mankind's redemption. Across many Christian denominations around the world, this day is marked by fasting and prayer, religious processions, and services significant to the remembrance of Christ's passion and death.

The history of Good Friday observance in Australia dates back to its earliest days as a British colony, reflecting the predominantly Anglican religious beliefs of the settlers. Since then, this day has gained multicultural significance, being observed by various Christian denominations including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant communities. The Australian public, regardless of individual faith or denomination, recognize Good Friday as a public holiday under the national public holidays act, thereby underlining its relevance in the societal fabric.

In Australia, Good Friday is characterized by solemn church services, quiet contemplation, and acts of charity. Many attend mass or service in the early afternoon, reflecting the time believed that Jesus was nailed to the cross. Specific to Australia, the Sydney-based 'Way of the Cross' walk is a prominent event, drawing a large number of participants. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) typically broadcasts the Good Friday service from St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney nationally. Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which is scheduled to coincide with the paschal full moon as per the lunar calendar, typically falling between March 20th and April 23rd.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Good Friday in Australia

• In Australia, the observance of Good Friday is marked by a unique blend of solemn religious traditions, restricted commercial activity, and high-profile charitable and sporting events. Below are several significant facts regarding the upcoming observance in the Australian context.
  
  The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal stands as one of the most significant philanthropic events in the country, featuring an all-day telethon that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for pediatric care since its inception in the 1930s.
• A major highlight for sports fans is the Good Friday SuperClash in the Australian Football League, a marquee match traditionally played between the North Melbourne and Carlton football clubs to support children's health initiatives.
• The best-performing player in this annual AFL match is awarded the SuperClash Superhero Medal, a title inspired by the bravery of the young patients at the Royal Children's Hospital.
• In Sydney, the Sydney Fish Market hosts a massive 36-hour seafood marathon ending on Good Friday morning, where hundreds of tons of prawns, oysters, and fish are sold to cater to the long-standing tradition of abstaining from red meat.
• The Sydney Royal Easter Show, which is the nation's largest annual ticketed event, typically opens its gates just before or on the holiday weekend, showcasing Australian agriculture alongside modern carnival entertainment.
• Good Friday is one of the very few restricted trading days in most Australian states, meaning that major supermarkets, department stores, and independent bottle shops must remain closed by law.
• Liquor licensing regulations are particularly strict on this day, with many states prohibiting the sale of alcohol in pubs and restaurants unless it is served as part of a substantial meal.
• Religious communities often participate in public re-enactments of the Stations of the Cross, with one of the most notable dramatic performances held at the Martin Place amphitheater in the heart of Sydney.
• Iconic Australian artist Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri produced a significant collaborative painting titled Good Friday in 1994, which interprets the crucifixion through the lens of Indigenous Australian art and traditional Dreaming symbolism.
• Many independent cinemas, such as the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, maintain a tradition of holding special annual screenings of the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ on the afternoon of the holiday.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Good Friday

Top things to do in Australia for Good Friday

• One tradition on Good Friday is to make and eat hot cross buns. The bread, which is slightly sweet, has a cross on the top that represents the crucifixion. It is thought to be an English tradition that dates back 500 years.
• Attend The Royal Easter Show in Sydney: This event is one of the largest annual events in Australia, occurring over two weeks around Easter. It features agricultural exhibitions, live entertainment, carnival rides, and much more.
• Read a book to learn more about Good Friday in Australia:
  Australian Christian Life from 1788: An Introduction and an Anthology - by I. Breward: This book gives insight about the influence Christianity, and consequently Good Friday, have had on Australian society.