Understanding Good Friday and Easter: Why They're Not Federal Holidays in the US
Good Friday holiday confusion: Is it Federal or not? Here’s what to know
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
Good Friday and Easter Sunday, significant Christian holidays, are not recognized as federal holidays in the United States. This is primarily due to the secular nature of federal holidays, which focus on American history and civic milestones rather than specific religious observances.
- 01Good Friday and Easter Sunday are not federal holidays in the US.
- 02Federal holidays are generally secular, emphasizing American heritage.
- 03Some states do observe Good Friday as a state holiday.
- 04Federal employees enjoy 11 official holidays in 2026.
- 05The next federal holidays include Memorial Day and Independence Day.
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Good Friday and Easter Sunday are significant religious observances for Christians in the United States, yet they are not included in the official federal holiday calendar. The primary reason is that federal holidays are typically secular, aimed at honoring American history and civic milestones. For instance, holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrate national heritage rather than religious events. In 2026, federal employees will have 11 official holidays, with Good Friday not among them. However, some states still recognize Good Friday, allowing for closures of schools and local offices. While these religious days hold deep meaning for many, they remain outside the federal holiday framework.
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While Good Friday and Easter are not federal holidays, their observance can lead to varying closures in states that recognize them, affecting local businesses and services.
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