Good Friday in the United Kingdom is a Christian observance which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. As part of the Holy Week, Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, a date that varies annually based on the lunar calendar. Although not considered a national holiday, it is a public holiday, with many businesses and schools closing and various special services being held in churches across the country.
Traditionally, this day is spent in somber reflection on Jesus' suffering and sacrifice. The events of Good Friday are commemorated in specific Good Friday services in churches, where believers reflect on the events of the day through prayer, hymns, and readings from the Bible. In some areas, dramatic reenactments of the crucifixion, known as passion plays, are also performed. Moreover, many choose to fast or abstain from eating meat on this solemn day to honor Jesus' sacrifice.
In addition to the religious observances, Good Friday also carries certain cultural and social aspects. Hot cross buns, which are sweet buns marked with a cross, have become synonymous with Good Friday in the UK and are traditionally eaten on this day. The cross on the buns represents the crucifixion of Jesus, while the spices inside signify the spices used to embalm him at his burial. Hence, even the culinary traditions on this day serve as a reflection of the deep-rooted Christian significance of Good Friday.