It commemorates the day Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross, an event believed to have taken place around A.D. 30.

Observed during Holy Week, Good Friday comes two days before Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of Jesus according to Christian belief.

But one question often arises every year: Why is it called "Good" Friday when it remembers a day of suffering and death?

Why is it called Good Friday?

The word "good" in this context does not mean happy or joyful.

Historically, the term is understood to mean "holy," "pious," or "sacred." In other words, the day is considered "good" because of its religious and spiritual significance, not because the event itself was pleasant.

For Christians, the crucifixion of Jesus is seen as a sacrifice that brought redemption and hope to humanity, which gives the day its sacred meaning.

The historical background

Jesus of Nazareth, believed by Christians to be the Son of God, lived in the first century in what is now Israel, then under the control of the Roman Empire.

Historical and religious accounts suggest that Jesus gathered a large following through his teachings. Around the time of Passover, an important Jewish festival, he was arrested in Jerusalem and brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

According to the Bible, Pilate sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.

Historians say the execution took place during a politically sensitive period, when large crowds had gathered in Jerusalem for Passover.

At the time, the Roman authorities were wary of unrest and possible protests, making any influential religious figure a matter of concern.

Why was Jesus executed?

Many scholars believe Jesus' growing popularity and the title "King of the Jews" associated with him may have been viewed as a political threat by Roman rulers.

The title suggested leadership and authority, something the Romans closely controlled.

This, combined with the tense political atmosphere during Passover, is believed to have contributed to the decision to execute him.

How is Good Friday observed?

Good Friday is not celebrated in a festive manner. Instead, it is observed with prayer, reflection and mourning.

Christians usually attend special church services, prayers and processions.

For many Catholic Christians, the day is also observed as a day of penance and fasting, during which they abstain from eating meat.

In many parts of the world, communities organise processions and passion plays that recreate the final hours of Jesus' life and crucifixion.

In countries such as Guatemala, mourners dressed in black take part in solemn processions to mark the day.

Different regions also have unique customs shaped by local culture and traditions.

A day of sorrow and hope

While Good Friday is rooted in grief, it also carries deep spiritual meaning for Christians because it leads to Easter Sunday, symbolising resurrection and hope.

The day continues to be one of the most significant observances in Christianity, remembered with reverence across the world.