Good Friday
In America
In Italy
What Do People Do?
Good Friday is also known as Holy Friday (Venerdì Santo) in Italy. Some Italians eat only fish as part of a fasting ritual on Fridays. Statues in Italian churches are cloaked in black or purple covers. Large processions, where people carry religious symbols such as crosses, take placeall over in cities and towns all over the country.
The most famous procession is the Way of the Cross — Via Dolorosain Rome, Italy. Tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gather in the ancient city to watch the Pope lead a torchlit procession on Good Friday.
Public Life
Good Friday is not a national public holiday in Italy, but roads may be congested later in the day as people start to prepare for the long Easter weekend.
Background
Some historians believe that the Good Friday procession in Chieti has origins that can be traced back to around 842 CE. In fact, Good Fridayis known to be one of the oldest Christian holidays observed worldwide. It was a day of fasting during the early years, which was associated with the crucifixion later in history.
Symbols
Some churches in Italy observe Good Friday by a feet-washing ritual in which a priest washes the feet of 12 church members, symbolizing Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.