Good Friday
Nationwide public holiday in Bulgaria · Велики петък
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 April | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 30 April | Friday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Bulgaria.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 30 Apr – Tue 4 May is a 5-day weekend with no leave needed.
Take Wednesday 5 May off and get 7 days in a row (Fri 30 Apr – Thu 6 May).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Sofia around 30 April: high 18°C (64°F), low 7°C (44°F), rain on 41% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Sofia. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 30 April in Sofia: (MET Norway)
About Good Friday
In Bulgaria, Good Friday is observed according to the Orthodox calendar, so it often falls on a different date from Good Friday in Western churches. It is the most solemn day of Holy Week, when the crucifixion and burial of Christ are remembered, and it is a public holiday in Bulgaria.
Traditions
Many people fast strictly on this day. In the evening church services are held around the plashtanitsa, an embroidered cloth depicting the body of Christ laid in the tomb, which is carried in procession around the church. Worshippers traditionally pass beneath it, a custom believed to bring health.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Bulgaria
Saturday, 1 May 2027
Good Friday in other countries
More for Bulgaria
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.