Good Friday, an important event in Christian religious observances, is celebrated in Antigua and Barbuda as a public holiday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. This day falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Residents of Antigua and Barbuda observe Good Friday with great solemnity, participating in different religious activities such as church services, processions, and re-enactments of the Passion of the Christ.
Being predominantly Christian, the people of Antigua and Barbuda view Good Friday as a day of profound reverence. The day begins with morning church services, which often comprise readings from the Bible, hymns saddened to match the somberness of the occasion, and sermons reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Many believers also observe fasting and abstinence, showing their respect and gratitude to Christ's sacrifice.
Apart from the religious observances, Good Friday in Antigua and Barbuda also signifies a cultural event. It is a national holiday, and thus a day off for the general population. Families and friends gather to share meals, often featuring fish and hot cross buns, which are traditional on this day. Many also use this time to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches and parks, taking advantage of the usually pleasant weather at this time of year. Despite the somber religious connotations of Good Friday, it also brings a sense of communal togetherness among the residents of Antigua and Barbuda.