On April 18, 2025, Karfreitag, or Good Friday, is observed as a silent holiday in Hessen, Germany, marked by strict regulations that govern public activities. The Feiertagsgesetz (Holiday Law) outlines what is permissible and what is not, leading to ongoing debates about the relevance of these restrictions in modern society. Political youth organizations, in particular, argue that the limitations are outdated and no longer reflect contemporary values.
Karfreitag is one of the most significant holidays in Christianity, commemorating the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Traditionally, many churches observe this day with somber rituals; church bells remain silent, altars are draped in black, and the organ is not played. The day is characterized by a reflective atmosphere, with many Christians gathering for services at 3 PM, the hour of Jesus' death.
In Hessen, public dance and sports events are prohibited starting at midnight on Karfreitag, continuing until midnight on Karsamstag (Holy Saturday). Circus events are also banned during this period. Interestingly, the Tanzverbot (dance ban) begins even earlier, on Gründonnerstag (Holy Thursday) at 4 AM, and lasts until 24 hours after Karfreitag, totaling a strict 68 hours of no dancing. This is more stringent than in other German states; for instance, Rheinland-Pfalz enforces an 84-hour ban, while Bayern has a 70-hour restriction. In contrast, Hamburg relaxed its dance ban last year, allowing dancing from 5 AM until midnight.
Many businesses in Hessen also face restrictions, as shops must close by 8 PM on Gründonnerstag. Critics of the Karfreitag regulations are vocal, with Sven Rohde, the Hauptgeschäftsführer (CEO) of the Handelsverbands Hessen, stating, "This relic of the past is no longer understood by customers or our members in retail. It is necessary to clarify this and abolish this special regulation once and for all."
In a direct response to the Tanzverbot, youth organizations like the Jusos Hessen and the Grüne Jugend Hessen are organizing a dance event in Frankfurt on Karfreitag, aiming to protest against the restrictions. Lukas Schneider, Landesvorsitzender (state chair) of the Jusos Hessen, expressed that the dance ban is emblematic of an outdated view of religiously influenced public life that does not align with the diverse reality of contemporary society. The Grüne Jugend echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a pluralistic and open society: "We respect the religious feelings of people, but a legal ban on dance events is an unreasonable infringement on individual freedom."
On the other hand, some scholars, like Detlef Pollack, a religious sociologist from the University of Münster, argue that the Tanzverbot still holds relevance today. He stated, "I believe it is right to respect the silence of this day. It is not too much to ask to refrain from dancing and loud music on this one day." Pollack raises a critical point about the balance between respecting religious traditions and accommodating secular viewpoints, asking how much respect individuals are willing to extend to differing beliefs.
Karfreitag is not just a day of silence but also a time steeped in tradition. In many Christian communities, it is customary to abstain from meat and animal products, with fish often being the meal of choice. This practice ties back to early Christianity, where fish symbolized faith and was used as a secret sign among persecuted believers. The Greek word for fish, "Ichthys," serves as an acronym for "Iesus Christos Theos Yios Soter," meaning "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior." This tradition continues to influence dining choices, with many canteens serving fish on Fridays.
As a legal holiday across Germany, Karfreitag grants students a day off, and employees who work are entitled to holiday pay supplements. However, shops remain closed, although exceptions may apply for public transport hubs like main train stations and airports.
In Austria, the situation is different; Karfreitag is not a legal holiday. Until 2019, members of the Protestant church were exempt from work on this day, but this regulation has since changed. Now, employees in Austria must take vacation if they wish to observe Karfreitag off from work, with the government referring to it as a "personal holiday."
The ongoing discussions surrounding the Tanzverbot reflect broader societal changes. Less than half of Germans are currently members of a Christian church, with statistics showing that in 2023, about 20 million people identified as Catholic, making up 24 percent of the population, while nearly 18 million belonged to the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (Protestant Church).
As Karfreitag approaches, the tension between tradition and modernity continues to spark debate across Hessen and beyond. Will the regulations surrounding this silent holiday evolve to better reflect the diverse and secular values of contemporary society? Only time will tell.
