Good Friday, marked for April 18, 2025, represents one of the most significant moments in the Christian calendar. Celebrated worldwide, this date commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, an event central to the Christian faith that symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and unconditional love. In Brazil, Good Friday is a national holiday, with churches filled, processions taking place in the streets, and moments of introspection observed by millions of faithful. Many take advantage of the day to share messages of faith and hope through social networks and messaging applications.
The meaning of Good Friday goes beyond a simple religious celebration. It is a day of silence, prayer, and contemplation, where the suffering of Jesus on the cross is remembered. Unlike other festive dates, such as Christmas or Easter, Good Friday is marked by an atmosphere of sobriety. According to Ana Beatriz Dias Pinto, a theologian from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, the Jewish festivity of Passover occurs on the Saturday and Sunday of the full moon after the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. This timing is crucial, as Jesus was sentenced to death, and his crucifixion was anticipated to avoid interfering with these festivities, ultimately landing on a Friday.
On this day, many Christians fast or avoid festive activities, dedicating the time to prayer and meditation. In Brazil, cities such as Aparecida in São Paulo and Recife in Pernambuco attract thousands of pilgrims participating in religious events, including the traditional "Via Sacra," which reenacts the last steps of Jesus until his crucifixion. This event serves to remind people of the significance of the Passion of Christ, who sacrificed himself for humanity.
For Catholics, the liturgy of Good Friday does not include the moment of the Eucharist, which is typically a time of giving thanks for the presence of Jesus Christ. The absence of this celebration is linked to a character of mourning, as Catholics enter into mourning on Thursday night. The mass celebrated on this day also reserves a moment for the adoration of the cross, emphasizing the sacrifice of Jesus to redeem the world from sins. The somber nature of the day is reflected in the silence of the churches, where there is no singing or music, and the focus is placed solely on the Passion and death of Jesus.
In Brazil, the tradition of Good Friday has deep roots. Since the arrival of the Portuguese, Christianity was adopted as the official religion of the Empire, and this tradition was maintained after independence from Portugal. As a country with a large Christian population, Good Friday is considered a religious holiday by Law 9.093/1995. Despite Brazil being a secular state, it is conventionally maintained as a holiday because it is part of the culture, tradition, and customs of the people.
Good Friday also sees a rich diversity of traditions across Brazil. In historical cities like Ouro Preto, solemn processions take place, with devotees carrying images of the crucified Jesus and the Virgin Mary. In São Paulo, the Basilica of Aparecida organizes events that attract thousands of worshippers, often broadcasted live across the country. In the Northeast, the reenactment of the Passion of Christ in Recife is one of the most traditional, bringing together local actors and spectators in a theatrical representation of Jesus's last moments. These practices reinforce the cultural and religious identity of local communities.
Socially, Good Friday promotes solidarity. Many religious organizations use the day to carry out charitable actions, such as donating food and clothing to vulnerable communities. In 2025, it is expected that these initiatives will gain momentum, especially in the context of economic recovery post-pandemic. Parishes and evangelical churches frequently organize campaigns that mobilize thousands of volunteers, reinforcing the spirit of compassion associated with the date.
As the world faces challenges such as climate change, social conflicts, and economic crises, the message of Good Friday gains renewed relevance, inspiring reflections on solidarity and hope. The cross, once a symbol of Roman punishment, has transformed into an icon of salvation and eternal love. For many, this day serves as a reminder to look inward and reevaluate values such as forgiveness, humility, and love for one’s neighbor.
In the digital age, Good Friday has taken on a new dimension. Messages shared on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter allow the Christian faith to reach a global audience. In 2025, it is anticipated that the volume of messages exchanged in Brazil will exceed previous years, reflecting the growing use of social media. Approximately 70% of Brazilians use WhatsApp daily, making it the primary channel for sharing religious phrases. These messages not only strengthen faith but also create a sense of virtual community, connecting individuals who cannot participate in physical celebrations.
The universal message of the cross resonates beyond religious boundaries. The sacrifice of Jesus, interpreted as an act of universal love, inspires reflections on fundamental human values such as empathy, forgiveness, and solidarity. In Brazil, where 87% of the population identifies as Christian, according to IBGE, the sharing of messages during Good Friday plays a significant role in uniting communities and strengthening spirituality.
Good Friday is also a time for families to gather and share reflective thoughts. Many families choose to avoid red meat, opting for fish dishes, a tradition that dates back to penitential practices. Others dedicate the day to reading the Bible or participating in online services, especially following the increase in religious broadcasts during the pandemic. This blend of traditional and modern practices showcases the evolving nature of faith in contemporary society.
As the day draws to a close, the essence of Good Friday remains in the reflections it inspires. For Christians, it is a moment to embrace the teachings of Jesus and apply them to daily life. The messages shared during this time emphasize transformation, encouraging individuals to embody the values of love and compassion. Ultimately, Good Friday serves not only as a day of mourning but also as a powerful reminder of the hope that lies in resurrection and renewal.
