Good Friday: What’s Open and Closed in 2023?
Good Friday is a significant day for Christians all around the world because it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The day is celebrated solemnly, with many churches holding services and processions. However, in the United States, Good Friday is not a federal holiday. With a few exceptions, this implies that most businesses and government offices will continue to operate as usual.
Every year, Good Friday happens on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which varies between March 22 and April 25. Good Friday in 2023 is on April 7. If you’re wondering what’s open and closed on Good Friday, here’s a handy guide to help you get through the day.
Banks
Most banks adhere to the Federal Reserve System’s holiday calendar, which excludes Good Friday as a recognised holiday. As a result, many banks should be open on Friday, but you should check with your local branch to confirm their hours of operation.
Mail delivery services include USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
The US Postal Service does not recognise Good Friday as a holiday. This implies that regular letter delivery should be possible. However, it is always a good idea to check with your local post office for any changes to their services or hours. UPS and FedEx will be open on Good Friday, with minor changes for FedEx Express and FedEx Freight.
Courts and government offices
In the United States, Good Friday is not a federal holiday. As a result, federal courts and administrative buildings should keep regular hours. However, a number of states in the United States, including New Jersey, Tennessee, Hawaii, and others, observe Good Friday as a state holiday. As a result, several governmental agencies and courts may be closed or have reduced hours. It’s critical to double-check your state’s official website for operating hours.
The stock market
Good Friday is a holiday in the stock market. On Good Friday, the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) will be closed.
National parks
On Good Friday, most year-round national parks should be open. However, some locations have different timetables, so it’s always a good idea to check operation hours before organising your trip.
Schools
School districts determine whether or not to close on Good Friday. New York City Public Schools, for example, observe Good Friday as a vacation, although others, such as Chicago Public Schools, observe the week preceding Easter Sunday as spring break this year. Confirm the timetable with your local school district.
Collection of garbage and recyclables
Due to the holiday weekend, certain rubbish and recycling pickup may be delayed or rescheduled to another day. Check with your local providers to see whether their offerings have changed.
Restaurants and grocery stores
On Good Friday, many grocery stores, including major chains like Target and Walmart, as well as restaurants, will be open. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check local listings and locations for any potential changes in hours.
To summarize, while Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States, it is critical to check with your local businesses, government agencies, and service providers to see if their services or hours of operation have changed. We wish you a meaningful and safe Good Friday, whether you are attending church services or spending the day with family and friends.
