In Austria, the debate surrounding the status of Good Friday as a public holiday has reignited, with significant voices from the Evangelical Church calling for its reinstatement. This comes after the holiday was stripped of its official status in 2019, a decision that has left many within the Protestant community feeling marginalized and disappointed.
Evangelical-Lutheran Bishop Michael Chalupka expressed his discontent over the lack of political support to bring back Good Friday as a public holiday. "Before the last National Council election, many politicians showed understanding for our request to reintroduce Good Friday as a public holiday, preferably for everyone," he stated in an interview with Kathpress on April 16, 2025. "However, in light of current budget deficits and austerity measures, that understanding seems to have vanished. We will continue to advocate for Good Friday as a public holiday because Austria desperately needs it."
The abolition of Good Friday as a public holiday has been termed an "injustice" against the Protestant churches in Austria. Since its revocation, the day is now classified as a "personal holiday," meaning that employees wishing to observe it must take a vacation day. This has sparked frustration among many, as they must notify their employers three months in advance to secure the day off.
The complexities of this issue are highlighted by the contrasting experiences in border regions. While Good Friday remains a day of absolute public holiday rest in Allgäu, just a few kilometers away in Reutte, it is treated as a regular working day. This disparity has raised questions about the cultural and religious identity of the region.
In a recent public petition aimed at bringing Good Friday back into parliament, supporters argue that the day, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, should be recognized as a public holiday for all. This perspective is echoed by many who believe that the day holds significant spiritual and cultural value, not just for Protestants but for all Christians.
However, not everyone is in favor of reinstating Good Friday as a public holiday. Some voices in the community argue that Austria already has too many holidays, citing concerns about productivity and the potential for the day to be misused as an extended holiday for leisure. For instance, one reader expressed, "I say a clear no to a public holiday on Good Friday for everyone. We have too many holidays already in our country."
Despite the opposition, the push for Good Friday's recognition continues to gain traction. In Burgenland, state employees are still granted the day off as a sign of respect for the Christian tradition, even though it is not a public holiday for all. This has led to calls for a unified approach across the country, emphasizing the importance of Good Friday in the cultural and religious fabric of Austria.
The Evangelical Church has been proactive in its efforts to raise awareness about the significance of Good Friday. Bishop Chalupka noted that the church will not relent in its efforts, stating, "The abolition of the holiday was not just a legal issue; it was a matter of historical recognition for the injustices faced by Protestant communities in the past. The introduction of Good Friday as a holiday in the 1950s was a symbolic acknowledgment of those wrongs."
As discussions continue, many within the Evangelical community are expressing a renewed sense of identity tied to Good Friday. Chalupka remarked, "The Good Friday services are fuller than they have ever been. This day is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of our identity as Evangelical Christians, especially in light of the ongoing global crises that remind us of the fragility of life."
Moreover, the implications of Good Friday extend beyond the religious sphere. Chalupka emphasized the societal importance of the day, stating, "In times of global crises, we need moments of reflection on the fragility of life. Good Friday allows us to express our vulnerabilities and seek help, mirroring the suffering that God himself experienced."
As the push for recognition continues, the Burgenland state government has voiced its support for the Evangelical Church's efforts to reintroduce Good Friday as a public holiday. "We stand behind the endeavors to reinstate Good Friday as a public holiday for all," said Roland Fürst, SPÖ-Klubobmann in Burgenland.
In conclusion, the debate over Good Friday as a public holiday in Austria represents a broader conversation about cultural identity, religious recognition, and the historical injustices faced by minority communities. As the Evangelical Church continues to advocate for its reinstatement, many Austrians are left pondering the significance of this day and what it means for their collective identity moving forward.
