When is Good Friday?
In 2026, Good Friday falls on Friday, April 3, 2026. It is classified here as a Latvian public holiday.
History of Good Friday
Good Friday, Lielā piektdiena, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and begins Latvia’s statutory Easter break. Lutheran and Roman Catholic congregations mark the Passion through restrained services, Scripture and sacred music. Latvia’s Western Christian calendar reflects centuries of Lutheran and Catholic history, while the country’s Orthodox and Old Believer communities preserve different Paschal calculations and their own worship practices.
The public holiday follows Western Easter and falls two days before Easter Sunday. Public administration and schools close, but shops, museums and transport publish individual holiday hours. The quieter civic atmosphere supports both churchgoing and domestic preparation: families colour eggs, gather foods and travel before Easter Sunday. It is not moved when Friday adjoins an existing weekend because the date is itself the legally named feast.
Latvia’s Lutheran, Roman Catholic and other Western-calendar congregations observe the Friday together, while Orthodox and Old Believer communities may follow different Paschal dates. The holiday law expressly allows believers of other denominations to celebrate Easter on dates set by their denomination, but that provision should not be simplified into a second universal state closure for every resident. The nationally listed Good Friday remains tied to Western Easter and is never moved to a substitute weekday.
How Good Friday is observed
A nationwide public holiday on the Friday before Western Easter. Public offices close and many businesses use special hours. The national date follows Western Easter; denominational accommodation does not create identical closures for everyone.
Traditions of Good Friday
Church services
Catholic, Lutheran and other congregations hold Passion-focused services and music. Practices differ among Lutheran, Catholic and other congregations using the Western calendar.
Easter preparation
Families dye eggs, prepare foods and make plans for visits over the long weekend. Natural dyes and decorated branches connect preparation with Latvia’s early spring landscape.
A quieter public pace
The day is more reflective than Easter Sunday, with limited opening hours in many places. The restraint contrasts with the games and family meals associated with Easter Sunday.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Latvian legal and government guidance. Weekend substitutions and local-service schedules should be confirmed against the annual official calendar.
History sources: Latvian law: public holidays, commemoration days and celebration days, Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: national holidays, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.
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