Good Friday

Good Friday History

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The day is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. In many parts of the world, it's a day of fasting and mourning with services, often held in the afternoon; mirroring the time when Christ was said to be on the cross.

The practice of observing Good Friday can be traced back to the fourth century, marking it as one of the oldest Christian traditions. For the Dutch people, this day holds additional historical significance. In the years of World War II, Good Friday marked the beginning of the Amsterdam-Utrecht Waterlinie Operation in 1945. This operation was a significant turning point towards the end of the German occupation in The Netherlands. Today, many Dutch people, regardless of their religious orientation, respect this day for both its historical and religious importance.

In The Netherlands, Good Friday is a public holiday but is not a day off for all workers as it is not a compulsory day off under Dutch law. However, many businesses and schools close on Good Friday. Religious observances include church services where readings and reflections focus on Jesus' Seven Last Words on the cross. The Catholic Church in The Netherlands, for instance, often holds Stations of the Cross liturgies. Good Friday in The Netherlands is observed on the Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, similar to other countries.

Top 7 Facts for 2026 Good Friday in Netherlands

• In the Netherlands, Goede Vrijdag is an official public holiday, yet it is unique because the law does not grant a universal right to a day off, meaning most private-sector employees must work unless their specific collective labor agreement (CAO) states otherwise.
• While many businesses remain active, all retail stores across the country are legally required to close their doors by 19:00 under the Dutch Winkeltijdenwet, although individual municipalities have the authority to grant exemptions for later opening hours.
• A defining cultural tradition in the Netherlands is the widespread performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Matthäus-Passion, with the most prestigious rendition traditionally held at the Grote Kerk in Naarden and attended by national politicians and members of the Dutch royal family.
• For the general public, the modern highlights of the season include the massive televised musical event The Passion, which in 2026 will be broadcast from the village of Dwingeloo on the evening of Witte Donderdag, the night immediately preceding Good Friday.
• Religious observance remains significant in many regions where churches hold special services at 15:00 to commemorate the kruisweg, the specific hour traditionally associated with the death of Jesus.
• Because Goede Vrijdag is followed by Eerste Paasdag and Tweede Paasdag, many people in the Netherlands treat the day as the start of a lang weekend, leading to significant domestic travel and high demand for holiday park reservations.
• Government institutions, including courts, municipalities, and the Belastingdienst, are strictly closed on this day, meaning any official deadlines falling on Good Friday are automatically extended to the following Tuesday.

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for Good Friday

Top things to do in Netherlands 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.
• Visit The Keukenhof Gardens: Although not directly related to Good Friday, if you're in the Netherlands, it would be a great time to visit Keukenhof Gardens, known as "the Garden of Europe ", which is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Its opening season usually coincides with Easter week.
• Read a book to learn more about Good Friday in The Netherlands:
  Calvinism in Europe, 1540-1620 - by Andrew Pettegree, Alastair Duke, Gillian Lewis
  The Calendar in Revolutionary England, 1640-1660 - by David Trevor William Evans