Good Friday, known as Föstudagurinn langi in Icelandic, is a very important holiday in Iceland. Commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death, this significant Christian observance, is considered a public holiday, with most businesses closed and people attending church services. The date varies each year, aligning with the lunar calendar, falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It marks the climax of the Holy Week, ending the 40-day period of Lent, filled with fasting and penance.
Icelanders celebrate Good Friday in a solemn and peaceful manner. The churches hold special services with hymns, prayers, and readings from the scripture that bring to life the story of the Passion. The church decorations are relatively minimal, often draped in purple or black, symbolising mourning and reflect the somber mood of the day. One of the unique characteristics of these services is the ringing of the 'Psalms of the Passion' ('Passíusálmarnir' in Icelandic), a series of 50 rimur (a type of Icelandic epic poem) around the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.
While supermarkets and most businesses close on Good Friday in Iceland, it's often a day spent with family. After church services, many families gather together for a quiet time of reflection or outdoor activities if the weather permits. There is a tradition of eating fish on this day, as per the Catholic custom. Even in modern times, the air of deep respect for the Christian tradition is evident among the Icelanders on this day as they observe Good Friday in a spirit of reverence and solemn reflection.