Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians in Kenya. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, an event that is chronicled in the New Testament of the Bible. The holiday, which falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a solemn occasion in Kenya. People mark the day with prayers, fasting, and penance as they pay homage to Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
As Kenya is predominantly Christian, Good Friday is considered a public holiday, meaning most businesses and schools close for the day. The day is marked by religious observances including mass services in churches, processions, dramatic presentations, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ, the biblical account of Jesus' last days on earth. In many communities, these rituals start in the early morning hours and continue throughout the day.
Despite the solemn nature of the day, Good Friday is also a time of family gatherings in Kenya. Many families come together to share a meal, reflecting another significant aspect of the holiday: community and togetherness. The holiday holds a deep spiritual significance for the people of Kenya, marking a cornerstone of their faith and beliefs. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and recognition of human frailty, as they remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.