Good Friday in the Philippines

When is Good Friday in Philippines?

Good Friday in Philippines is on April 18, 2025. It falls on Friday.

How many days until Good Friday in Philippines?

There are 166 Days left until Good Friday in the Philippines.

Is Good Friday a public holiday in Philippines?

Good Friday is a public holiday in the Philippines. It is one of the most highly celebrated holidays commemorated around the world. It is due to the fact that Christianity is the most influential and widely practiced religion among all. The day is observed commemorating the death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the son of God whom Christians believe is their savior. This holiday is also known as ‘Biyernes Santo’ in the Philippines which is also a significant Christian holiday observed every two days before the Easter Sunday (celebrated on April 10 this year). It is one of the holidays celebrated for ‘Semana Santa’, a notable observance known in its local term as Holy Week.

Origin of Good Friday

The first observance of Good Friday started on 100 C.E. This holiday is one of the oldest holidays celebrated in the world. Many people wonder why the official name of the holiday is ‘Good Friday’ since the holiday is all about mourning for the death of Jesus. But truth to be told, ‘Good’ means ‘Holy’ in Old English dictionary. The holiday officially means ‘Holy Friday’. In the Philippines, the start of the Good Friday was when Spanish Empire colonized the country. Filipinos began embracing Christianity on 15th century. Many Filipinos believe and converted to Christianity.


Good Friday Traditions in the Philippines

Church Services

Filipinos would start the day with morning prayer in churches. The day would be filled with processions from their church. The processions are accompanied by a band playing religious music. Some people would carry religious figures through the procession until the end of the cortege including a cross which symbolizes Christianity and the death of Jesus Christ. Few Filipinos would be nailed in cross to worship and show faith for Jesus. At three o’clock in the afternoon, when Jesus was said to be crucified on cross, some churches would re-enact the process on how Jesus was nailed on the cross and His death during His last hours.

Santo Entierro

The featured event on Good Friday is the Santo Entierro which means Holy Internment. Santo Entierro is a glass coffin where a statue of Jesus Christ is placed. Local Filipinos believed that this monument of Jesus can acquire powers and can even grant their wishes. During this specified occurrence, albularyos (spiritual doctors), would lay their anting-anting (local term for amulets) on the top of the coffin. They will leave that on place and when the holiday is done, they would manage to collect their own amulets and with that, they believed that their respective amulets gained much power at that point.

Other Practices

Adults are not allowed to sing out loud on karaokes, drinking alcoholic beverages, and listening to loud music. Young millennials are encouraged to stay inside their homes in fact, some Filipino parents prohibit their kids from playing outdoor games. These are observed due to the fact that making excessive noises is a taboo for Filipinos during the holiday. There’s a tradition before where they were not allowed to take a bath except for those who have illness or health problems. Some Filipino families hang around on beaches to celebrate the stated holiday.

Dates of Observance for Good Friday
Year Date Day Holiday
2025 April 18 Friday Good Friday
2026 April 03 Friday Good Friday
2027 March 26 Friday Good Friday
2028 April 14 Friday Good Friday
2029 March 30 Friday Good Friday
2030 April 19 Friday Good Friday
Upcoming Philippines Holidays
Holiday Date
Bonifacio Day November 30, 2024
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 08, 2024
Christmas Eve December 24, 2024
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