Did you know that the date of Easter—and therefore Good Friday—is determined by the ecclesiastical full moon? It’s the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. That’s why the date bounces around like a pinball. In 2026, that calculation lands us on 5th April, making 3rd April our lucky, low-key Friday.
Another fun tidbit: in Scotland, Good Friday is not a bank holiday, though many employers grant it unofficially. So if you have Scottish friends, you might want to schedule your Friday pint after work knowing they might still be clocking in. It’s a classic UK regional divide, like the eternal dispute over scones with jam and cream.
The Global Perspective
While the UK gets a long weekend, the rest of the world is mixed. In the United States, Good Friday is not a federal holiday, though many states and businesses observe it. In Australia and Canada, it’s a public holiday in most regions. So, if you’re scrolling Instagram on 3rd April, you’ll see a patchwork of brunch photos and desperate “still at work” memes.
When is Good Friday in 2026, 2027, 2028?
This makes the day feel oddly exclusive. You’re part of a quiet club of people who have the day off, without the frantic travel chaos of a major summer bank holiday. It’s a secret little luxury.
