Good Friday, known as 'Sexta-Feira Santa' in Brazil, is a significant religious and public holiday celebrated with great reverence throughout the country. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his subsequent death at Calvary which is an event central to Christian beliefs. This solemn day aims to remember Christ's sacrifice for humankind marking it as a key event in the Christian calendar.
The observation of Good Friday in Brazil is characterized by religious rituals, processions and masses held in churches across the nation, as a large number of Brazilians are Roman Catholic. Some of the remarkable customs include the reenactment of the Via Crucis, representing the stations of the cross, which is Christ's path to crucifixion. A reflection on Jesus' Seven Last Words is also a tradition practiced among churches. Many Catholics fast and abstain from meat as a sign of penance.
Moreover, on the cultural side, Good Friday garners unity among the Brazilian population where even some who aren’t deeply religious partake in the practices and traditions. It brings together families and community to reflect on the values of compassion, sacrifice, and love as embodied by Jesus Christ. Despite the solemnity, the holiday is seen as a time of hope, symbolizing the lead up to Easter Sunday when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ.