As Good Friday approaches, residents of Frankfurt and Hesse prepare for a day steeped in solemnity and special rules. The day, known as Karfreitag in German, is marked by restrictions that aim to foster reflection and family time, aligning with its significance in the Christian calendar. One of the most notable regulations is the well-known dance ban, which has sparked discussions in recent years about its relevance and enforcement.
According to the Hessian Ministry for Interior, Security, and Homeland Security, public dance events are prohibited on public holidays from 4 AM to 12 PM. This restriction applies not only on Good Friday but also on Holy Saturday, Remembrance Day, and Totensonntag, starting at midnight on those days. Interestingly, the dance ban begins even earlier, at 4 AM on Maundy Thursday (Gründonnerstag) and at 5 PM on Christmas Eve. This means that revelers must cease dancing the day before Good Friday, which has led to some confusion and frustration among those who enjoy nightlife.
In addition to the dance ban, sporting events of a commercial nature are also restricted. The Ministry clarifies that these events are considered public entertainment and are not allowed from 4 AM to 12 PM on public holidays. Specifically, on Good Friday, these events are banned starting at midnight. Eintracht Frankfurt, the local football club, is known for never playing on Good Friday, a tradition that aligns with these regulations. However, in 2025, the scheduling issue is somewhat moot, as a Friday game would have clashed with their Europa League match against Tottenham on Thursday.
Non-commercial sporting events also face restrictions on Good Friday, further emphasizing the day's quiet nature. Circus performances, too, are not permitted from midnight on this solemn day. These regulations are designed to encourage residents to reflect on the significance of the day, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and to spend quality time with family.
As these rules come into effect, they are not without controversy. Many argue that the restrictions feel outdated and infringe on personal freedoms. The Hessian government encourages people to use this time for contemplation, but critics question whether such regulations are effective or necessary.
Meanwhile, in Bavaria, the situation is slightly different but equally contentious. Despite the dance ban, there are plans for protest parties in Munich and Middle Franconia on Good Friday. The Federal Association for Freedom of Thought (bfg) has announced that around 40 events will take place during the silent days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Notably, cities like Nuremberg and Erlangen are also set to join in on these protest celebrations.
Bavaria observes nine silent days throughout the year, including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, All Saints' Day, Remembrance Day, Totensonntag, Repentance and Prayer Day, and Christmas Eve. Under the Bavarian Public Holiday Law, entertainment events are permitted only if they maintain a "serious character." On Good Friday, musical performances in venues that serve alcohol are explicitly banned.
The bfg has leveraged a 2016 ruling from the Federal Constitutional Court, which opened the door for protest dancing. This ruling allows festivals and celebrations that express a worldview advocating for the separation of church and state, democracy, and human rights. Assunta Tammelleo, chairwoman of the bfg, expressed her views, stating, "Dance bans are instruments of patronization and control of people. It cannot be the state's role to dictate how individuals spend their leisure time on a holiday." She has called for the abolition of these bans within the Bavarian Public Holiday Law.
Despite these calls for change, the Bavarian Parliament discussed the issue in 2022 and ultimately rejected any amendments to the existing regulations. A spokesperson from the Interior Ministry noted that most of the year is unaffected by these restrictions, and there is no absolute music ban outside of Good Friday.
The Nuremberg Office has implemented various requirements for the planned Good Friday party, which some view as inconsistent. Critics point out that the Nuremberg Spring Festival, a major event that has been held since 1919, begins on Holy Saturday, just a day later, drawing thousands of visitors without the same scrutiny.
As the debate continues over the appropriateness of these regulations, many residents are left to navigate the complexities of celebrating in a landscape marked by both tradition and protest. While some embrace the opportunity for reflection and family time, others find themselves drawn to the allure of protest parties, challenging the status quo on this solemn day.
In the end, the juxtaposition of solemn observance and spirited protest reflects a broader conversation about cultural norms and individual freedoms in Germany today. As Good Friday approaches, it remains to be seen how these events will unfold, and whether they will spark further discussions about the future of holiday regulations in the country.
