Good Friday in Ethiopia
Good Friday, known as Siklet in Ethiopia, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a national religious public holiday, while Ethiopian Orthodox observances center on prayer, fasting and prostration.[1][2][3]
A national religious holiday
Ethiopia’s Proclamation No. 1334/2024 lists Good Friday among the religious holidays celebrated nationally. Government and non-government institutions close for public service on these holidays, and the law says employees’ salaries are not to be deducted for not working that day.[1]
The proclamation does not set out a substitute day for Good Friday when it falls on a weekend; the official calendar lists no substitute or observed day. The law also recognizes that some work may continue under labour and civil-service rules.[1]
Meaning and place in the church calendar
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Good Friday is one of the major feasts of the Lord and is observed as the day of Christ’s crucifixion. It comes before Easter, which commemorates the resurrection; the date moves with the church calendar.[2][3]
Siklet is part of Holy Week, which the Ethiopian News Agency describes as a week of observances running from Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday within the fasting season. Good Friday therefore forms part of a wider period of prayer and preparation for Easter.[3]
Prayer, fasting and prostration
Church observances include prayers, readings, hymns, reflection and repeated prostrations. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s account describes believers gathering at church from early morning and remaining into the afternoon, with time for confession or reading the Psalter.[2][3]
Fasting practices vary among the faithful. The church account says that in Holy Week food is not taken before 1 p.m. or later; some devout people fast completely from Good Friday until Easter, while others eat an evening meal. The Ethiopian News Agency has also reported worshippers fasting into the night, with some abstaining until Easter.[3][4]
What to expect as a resident or visitor
The law requires public transport services to operate on religious public holidays. It also names hospitals, health centers, clinics, pharmacies, utilities, police and other essential services among the work that must continue. Museums and parks are listed as services to be rendered as well.[1]
Government and non-government institutions close for public service, but the law does not say that every shop or bank must close. Opening hours for businesses and individual services may vary, so check locally before making plans. The law allows other work and services to be designated by the relevant authority.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Good Friday a public holiday in Ethiopia?
Yes. It is listed as a religious holiday celebrated nationally, and government and non-government institutions close for public service.[1]
What does Siklet commemorate?
Does the date change each year?
What services operate on the holiday?
The law requires public transport, health services, pharmacies, utilities, police and other listed essential services to operate. It does not specify shop or bank opening hours, so check with them before making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Good Friday in Ethiopia:
- Proclamation to Determine Public Holidays and Celebration of Public Holidays - Proclamation No. 1334/2024- Ethiopian Federal Laws
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church- Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
- Ethiopian Christians Commemorate Good Friday- Ethiopian News Agency
- Ethiopian Christians Observing Good Friday- Ethiopian News Agency