Good Friday, also known as Langfredag in Denmark, is an integral part of the Holy Week leading up to Easter. It's a national public holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It varies each year as it is based on the lunar calendar but always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Good Friday in Denmark is observed with special church services mostly in the afternoon to imitate the last few hours of Jesus's life. Many of these traditions are time-honoured, involving the reading of the Holy Scriptures, particularly the account of Jesus's trials, suffering, and death. Hymns are selected carefully, with somber tunes and lyrics reflecting the solemnity of the day. Some churches also perform the ritual of 'un-nailing' Christ from the cross.
On this day, businesses, offices, and schools are closed as Danes take time to reflect and pay homage to the solemn occasion. Many people also use the day to spend time with family or enjoy the early spring weather. Traditionally, meals are typically fish-based, avoiding the consumption of red meat in accordance with Christian practices. Despite the somber religious traditions, the holiday also marks the immutable approach of spring and is often accompanied by the blooming of flowers and greenery across Denmark.