Good Friday in St Helena
Good Friday is a public holiday in St Helena and a Christian day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Its date moves with Easter, while the island’s holiday laws set out who receives holiday pay and allow businesses to decide whether to open.[1][2]
Meaning and island observance
For Christians, Good Friday recalls the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and church services are commonly part of the day’s observance in Christian communities.[5]
St Helena Government notices identify Good Friday as a public holiday. One documented local Easter tradition takes place the evening before: the Government describes fishing at coastal locations on Maundy Thursday as a St Helena tradition, with the Sea Rescue Service issuing safety guidance.[6]
Public holiday law and pay
The Public Holidays Ordinance, 1945 lists Good Friday among St Helena’s public holidays. It requires employers in specified undertakings—including offices, shops, workshops and factories—to pay employees the remuneration they would have earned on the holiday. Employees who work that day, other than monthly salaried employees, are entitled to a paid day off later or an additional day’s pay.[1]
The Ordinance’s weekend rule provides for a Friday or Monday in lieu when a public holiday other than Christmas falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Good Friday falls on a Friday, so this rule does not create a substitute day for it. The 2024 amendment changed the way additional public holidays may be directed and updated the King’s birthday entry; it did not remove Good Friday from the schedule.[1][2]
What may close or open
St Helena Government’s published holiday notice says government offices close on listed holidays, including Good Friday. That does not mean all workplaces must close: amendments approved in 2017 removed the requirement for businesses to close on public holidays and allowed employers to set opening hours. The same changes removed the prohibition on licensed premises selling alcohol on Good Friday.[3][4]
For visitors, shop, restaurant and transport arrangements should be checked directly with each provider.[3][4]
Date and substitute days
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday, so its calendar date changes from year to year. St Helena’s law names it as a public holiday, and the country’s calendar lists it on a Friday; no substitute day is listed for it.[1]
Good Friday in St Helena: FAQs
Is Good Friday a public holiday in St Helena?
Yes. The Public Holidays Ordinance lists Good Friday as a public holiday. Its pay provisions apply to employees in the undertakings named in the law.[1]
Do government offices close?
St Helena Government’s published holiday notice lists Good Friday among the days government offices close. Check the relevant annual notice for the date.[4]
Are shops and restaurants open?
They may choose whether to open. St Helena’s 2017 amendments removed the requirement for businesses to close on public holidays, so hours can vary by business.[3]
Can taxis or bus tours operate on Easter Monday?
The law provides a substitute Friday or Monday when a public holiday other than Christmas falls on a weekend. Good Friday falls on a Friday, and the calendar lists no substitute day for it.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Good Friday in St. Helena:
- Public Holidays Ordinance, 1945- St Helena Government
- Public Holidays (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024- St Helena Government Gazette
- St Helena Legislative Council Hansard, 16 May 2017- St Helena Government
- Public Notice: Public and Government Holidays 2026- St Helena Government
- Fact File: What is Good Friday?- The Church of England
- Keep Safe During Maundy Thursday- St Helena Government