Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and is expressly included in French Polynesia’s Labour Code holiday list, although it is not one of the standard nationwide legal holidays in every part of France. Its date follows the Western Christian calculation of Easter and therefore moves between late March and late April.

Christianity has a major public and community presence across French Polynesia, with Protestant and Catholic histories that differ by archipelago and congregation. Services may emphasise scripture, prayer, hymns and reflection. These practices developed through Polynesian-language churches and local leadership as well as European missions, so the day should not be described as a simple imported custom followed identically everywhere.

Under French Polynesia Labour Code articles Lp. 3223-1 to Lp. 3223-7, being a legal holiday does not automatically make the day non-working and paid in every private workplace. May 1 is the principal exception: it is normally compulsory paid time off, subject to limited continuously operating activities. For other dates, collective agreements, established custom or an employer decision determine closure and pay. There is no general automatic Monday substitute when a fixed holiday falls at a weekend.