Why Good Friday Is No Longer a Mandatory Holiday in Chile (2025): A Cultural and Legal Turning Point

Why Good Friday Is No Longer a Mandatory Holiday in Chile (2025): A Cultural and Legal Turning Point

 Introduction: A Holiday That Once United the Nation

In Chile, Good Friday has always been more than just a date on the calendar. It is a sacred day filled with meaning, reflection, and tradition. Part of the Holy Week, or Semana Santa, Good Friday has historically been observed by millions of Chileans through prayer services, family gatherings, and a national pause from work and commerce.
But in 2025, something changed—for the first time in recent memory, Good Friday was not recognized as a mandatory holiday. This shift in policy, although technical in nature, has ignited a nationwide conversation about faith, labor rights, and the ever-changing balance between culture and commerce.
Under Chilean law, certain holidays are designated as "feriados irrenunciables", meaning workers—particularly in retail—cannot be required to work. For decades, Good Friday was seen as one of these sacrosanct days. This year, however, retailers like Falabella, Ripley, and París announced they would remain open on April 18th. Their decision, supported by updated government regulations, challenged long-standing traditions and sparked both legal debates and emotional backlash.
Unions have protested. Religious leaders have condemned. Citizens have taken to social media, sharing both outrage and support. In short, Chile is at a cultural crossroads—one where the past meets the future, and not everyone agrees on the path forward.
So, what led to this controversial change? How are different groups responding? And what does it mean for the future of Chilean holidays and values?
 1. Historical Significance of Good Friday in Chile
For centuries, Chile’s cultural identity has been closely tied to Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism. From the earliest days of colonization to the present, religious holidays have played a crucial role in shaping the rhythm of national life. Among these, Good Friday (Viernes Santo) stands out as one of the most important observances of the year.
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment of deep sorrow and reflection for Christians around the world. In Chile, it has traditionally been a solemn and sacred day, observed through prayer, fasting, and silence. Across the country, churches hold special services, and families often avoid entertainment or travel, instead choosing to spend the day in reflection.

The Power of a "Feriado Irrenunciable"

In the Chilean legal system, some holidays are designated as "feriados irrenunciables"—non-waivable holidays when workers cannot be required to work, even if they want to. This status applies to only a few select dates, like Christmas, May Day, and historically, Good Friday. These holidays were not just cultural—they were legally protected rights for workers to rest and spend time with their families.
Having Good Friday as a mandatory rest day reinforced its spiritual importance. Even shopping malls, supermarkets, and retail giants would close their doors out of respect for the occasion. The streets would quiet down, and the day would take on a tone of reverence rarely seen in modern life.
A National Pause
Many Chileans recall childhood memories of Holy Week with nostalgia: Stations of the Cross processions, candlelit vigils, and the distinct sound of church bells echoing through quiet neighborhoods. These collective experiences created a shared cultural identity, making Good Friday a day not only of religion but of national unity.
In rural areas especially, the influence of the Church remains strong. Community members still gather for traditional observances, abstaining from meat, dressing in black, and attending solemn services. For these communities, Good Friday is more than a holiday—it’s a cornerstone of faith and heritage.
But with modernization and globalization, times have changed. Chile has grown into a diverse, fast-paced economy. As priorities shift, the sacredness of tradition is now challenged by the needs of commerce and capitalism.

2. What Changed in 2025?

The year 2025 marked a turning point in Chile’s treatment of Good Friday as a national holiday. For the first time in decades, the day was not classified as a “feriado irrenunciable”, meaning businesses—especially large retailers—were legally allowed to stay open, and employees could be asked to work.

This decision caught many citizens by surprise. While the change wasn’t necessarily highlighted in headlines months in advance, the implications became clear as April approached, and stores began announcing their intention to remain open on Good Friday.

 A Missed Chance in Congress

Earlier in the year, a group of lawmakers introduced a proposal to reinstate Good Friday as a non-waivable holiday. Their reasoning was simple: the day holds significant cultural and religious value and should remain protected. However, despite support from various social and religious organizations, the bill did not make it onto the legislative agenda in time for debate and approval.

As a result, Good Friday in 2025 fell through a legal loophole—no longer protected, yet not officially redefined. This created a gray area that many employers chose to interpret in their favor.

 What Is the Current Legal Status?

According to Chile’s Labor Directorate, because Good Friday is not part of the current list of irrenunciable holidays, employers are not legally required to give the day off. However, a key clause was included in their guidance: if an employee has a history of not working on Good Friday, then that employee may have the right to continue observing the day off, based on acquired labor customs.

This provision has become a point of tension. Labor lawyers argue that many Chileans have celebrated Good Friday with rest for years and should not be forced to work now. But employers have countered that economic necessity, especially in a post-pandemic era, justifies keeping operations running.

A Sudden Shift in Social Norms

What makes this change particularly dramatic is how quickly it occurred. One year ago, Good Friday was universally observed with widespread business closures. Now, in 2025, Chileans were faced with malls operating at full capacity, sales campaigns running online, and employees clocking in as usual.

For many, this wasn’t just a shift in labor policy—it felt like a loss of cultural identity. And it raised the question: If a deeply rooted tradition like Good Friday can be sidelined so easily, what other customs could be next?

 3. The Business Perspective: Why Retailers Are Staying Open

With Good Friday no longer protected as a mandatory holiday, many of Chile’s largest retail chains quickly made the decision to remain open on April 18, 2025. This move has been met with mixed reactions, but from a business standpoint, the logic is clear—more operational days mean more revenue.

Economic Motivation Behind the Change

Retailers like Falabella, París, and Ripley—some of Chile’s biggest department store brands—announced they would open their doors as usual during Holy Week, citing the growing demand from consumers and the need to keep up with commercial competitiveness.

In recent years, Chile’s economy has faced pressures from inflation, global market shifts, and post-pandemic recovery struggles. Retail executives argue that every additional day of sales matters, especially when consumer spending is on the rebound. The Easter season, much like Christmas, presents a significant opportunity for sales growth, especially in clothing, electronics, and food.

For many businesses, Good Friday has transitioned from a sacred pause to a strategic sales day—one they’re no longer willing to lose.

 Statements from Retail Brands

In public communications, companies framed the decision as being customer-focused. A spokesperson from one major chain explained:

“We understand the historical and religious importance of Good Friday, but we also recognize the evolving needs of our customers. Many people use this time to shop for Easter, travel, or prepare family meals. We are simply responding to that demand.”

Some brands also offered incentives for employees who chose to work on Good Friday, including extra pay or flexible hours. However, critics argue that these gestures don’t go far enough, especially when workers feel pressured to work despite their personal or religious beliefs.

 Consumer Response: Split Opinions

While the retail sector sees the decision as practical, public opinion is divided. Some shoppers welcomed the opportunity to access goods and services on a long weekend, particularly those who don’t observe religious holidays or have busy schedules.

Others, however, felt the shift was disrespectful and unnecessary. On social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, hashtags such as #ViernesSantoSeRespeta (Good Friday Deserves Respect) trended in early April, as Chileans debated whether the country was sacrificing its traditions for profit.

Commerce vs. Culture

The tension between economic interests and cultural identity is nothing new, but the Good Friday case has become a lightning rod for wider concerns. Can Chile maintain its heritage while embracing modern capitalism? Or is it inevitable that commerce will erode the significance of once-sacred days?

For now, retail leaders appear firm in their decision. And with no legal restriction stopping them, Good Friday has become just another business day—at least in the eyes of Chile’s commercial sector.

 4. Workers and Union Response

The decision to keep businesses open on Good Friday has sparked outrage among workers and labor unions. For many, this is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of rights and tradition. The ability to observe Good Friday as a mandatory holiday had long been a cultural expectation for employees, particularly those in retail and service industries.

 Labor Unions Speak Out

Unions representing retail workers have been some of the most vocal critics of the 2025 policy change. They argue that Good Friday, traditionally, has been a time for rest and reflection, and forcing workers to clock in undermines their rights to personal and religious observance.

For decades, the "feriado irrenunciable" status allowed workers to honor Good Friday without facing pressure from employers. It became a legal shield—a protection that workers could rely on, knowing they would have the day off to spend with family or to practice their faith.

Now, with Good Friday no longer legally protected, unions fear it could set a dangerous precedent. If Good Friday can be sidelined, what’s to stop other traditional holidays from losing their protected status in the future?

Strikes and Protests

As expected, the announcement to keep stores open was met with protests and calls for strikes in several major cities. In some areas, retail workers organized sit-ins and marches, demanding that the government intervene and re-instate Good Friday as a mandatory holiday.

A representative from Chile’s National Union of Retail Workers expressed the concerns of many employees:

“This change isn’t just about one day—it’s about how far companies are willing to push to sacrifice cultural traditions for profit. Good Friday should remain a day for everyone to rest, reflect, and connect with their families.”

The union also highlighted the pressure on workers, especially those who may feel forced to work due to the fear of losing their jobs. While some businesses have promised additional pay for employees working on Good Friday, union leaders argue that financial incentives alone do not address the deeper cultural and ethical issues at play.

 Employer Responses to Worker Concerns

On the other hand, employers have defended the decision, asserting that the change reflects the evolving nature of modern society. Retailers contend that consumer behavior has changed, with more people choosing to shop online or take advantage of long weekends for travel. They argue that demand for services on Good Friday is high, and businesses have a responsibility to adapt to these new consumer trends.

For many employees, the issue isn’t about being given a choice; it’s about not feeling forced to work against their will. The balance between respecting workers’ rights and addressing consumer demand has become one of the most contentious debates in Chile today.

 Potential Legal Battles

As the debate continues, there are growing concerns about legal challenges. Workers who feel their rights have been violated may seek legal recourse, demanding that employers uphold the traditional holiday status of Good Friday.

Labor rights activists are also urging lawmakers to revisit the issue and introduce new protections for workers, ensuring that such sacred cultural days remain respected, even in a fast-paced economic landscape.

5. Religious Backlash: The Catholic Church’s Stand

In a country where Catholicism remains deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, the decision to not make Good Friday a mandatory holiday has stirred significant controversy within the religious community. The Catholic Church, which holds significant sway over Chile’s traditions and cultural values, has been vocal in its disapproval of the move, expressing concerns about the secularization and commercialization of what is meant to be a solemn day of reflection and faith.

 The Church’s Perspective on Good Friday

For the Catholic Church in Chile, Good Friday is a sacred occasion—a day to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice that lie at the heart of Christian faith. The Church has long maintained that holidays like Good Friday should not only be about religious observance but also social unity and communal reflection.

Bishops and priests have openly criticized the decision of retailers and lawmakers to turn Good Friday into just another business day. According to the Church, commercial interests should not overshadow the spiritual significance of the day. One church official argued:

“Good Friday is a day for prayer, for spiritual renewal, and for family solidarity. It’s an important day in the life of every believer, and we should not allow our faith to be commodified.”

 The Conflict Between Faith and Consumerism

At the heart of the Church’s criticism is a concern that secularization is creeping into Chilean life, eroding the values of faith and community in favor of consumerism. This conflict between economic interests and religious observance is not unique to Chile; it’s a global issue where many societies wrestle with how to maintain religious traditions while simultaneously promoting a free-market economy.

In Chile, the Catholic Church sees the decision to open businesses on Good Friday as emblematic of a larger trend—where sacred days are being seen primarily through the lens of profitability rather than spiritual significance. Church leaders have raised alarms about the erosion of national identity and moral foundations as commercial forces begin to redefine what is sacred.

Public Statements and Actions

Throughout Holy Week, bishops and priests have been active in their condemnation of the decision, using sermons and public statements to encourage people to prioritize faith over consumption. Several church leaders have also urged the government to intervene and reaffirm Good Friday’s status as a mandatory holiday.

Some churches have gone further, organizing prayer vigils and protests to stand against what they view as an unprecedented attack on religious traditions. Their message has been clear: Good Friday should remain a time for pause, not for shopping.

In an official statement, the Chilean Bishops’ Conference said:

“The sanctity of Good Friday cannot be compromised. It’s a day that belongs to God, not to the marketplace. We call on all Chileans to remember the true meaning of the day and to resist the urge to treat it as just another business opportunity.”

The Broader Cultural Debate

The Church’s objections have become more than just about one day—they speak to a broader concern that Chile is losing sight of its religious heritage. The Catholic Church, though facing declining attendance in many parts of the world, remains a moral force in Chile, and its voice carries weight.

As the country navigates its modern, diverse identity, the Catholic Church remains a staunch defender of cultural traditions. Its stand on Good Friday is part of a larger conversation about how to balance religion, culture, and economic growth in a rapidly changing society.

 6. Social Media and Public Opinion

The decision to keep businesses open on Good Friday in 2025 did not go unnoticed, and in the age of social media, public opinion quickly took center stage. Chileans, from all walks of life, turned to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to voice their support, outrage, and everything in between. In many ways, this digital debate became the battleground for the country's cultural and moral response to the holiday change.

Trending Hashtags and Divided Opinions

Almost immediately after major retail chains like Falabella and Ripley announced they would remain open on Good Friday, the hashtags #ViernesSantoSeRespeta (Good Friday Deserves Respect) and #ViernesSantoNoSeToca (Don’t Touch Good Friday) began to trend on Twitter. These hashtags were used to express opposition to the commercialization of the day and to rally people around the cause of protecting traditional holidays.

On the other hand, some Chileans argued that opening businesses on Good Friday was a reflection of modern reality, where individuals choose to prioritize convenience and economic need over tradition. Proponents of this viewpoint used the hashtag #ViernesSantoAbierto (Open Good Friday) to share their support for businesses taking advantage of the opportunity to serve customers.

Influencers and Public Figures Weigh In

Influencers and public figures—especially those with large followings—played a significant role in shaping the conversation. Several well-known figures, including television personalities and political commentators, took to social media to express their views on the issue.

For example, a popular social media influencer shared a post condemning the decision to keep retail stores open, saying:

“Good Friday is a sacred day for millions of Chileans. Commercializing this day isn’t just about shopping—it’s about the erosion of our values. We must stand together to protect our traditions.”

On the other hand, some business-minded influencers pointed out that the shift toward a 24/7 economy was inevitable, noting:

“Chile is evolving, and so is our relationship with holidays. We can’t pretend that business stops for religion—it’s just not the reality we live in anymore. It’s time to adapt.”

These polarizing views further amplified the debate, creating a split between those who believed in preserving traditions and those who prioritized economic progress.

Polls and Public Sentiment

Polling data also shed light on how Chileans felt about the change. A survey conducted by Cadem in early April 2025 revealed that while 58% of Chileans supported keeping Good Friday as a mandatory rest day, 32% favored the decision to open businesses, citing increased convenience and the economic benefits of allowing people to shop during the holiday.

Interestingly, younger generations—particularly those under 30—were more likely to support businesses staying open, while older generations were more inclined to defend Good Friday as a time of rest. This generational divide points to the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in Chilean society.

The Emotional Impact on Families

For many Chilean families, Good Friday represents more than just a religious observance—it’s a time for gathering and family unity. The emotional response to the decision to commercialize Good Friday was palpable on social media, with users sharing personal stories of how they’ve always celebrated the holiday with loved ones.

One user posted:

“Growing up, Good Friday meant no work, no shopping, just family. It was our way of staying connected. Now, it feels like everything is just about making money.”

These heartfelt posts illustrated the deeper cultural significance of Good Friday and the sense of loss many Chileans felt when they saw the holiday become a business opportunity rather than a day of reflection.

 Influencing Future Debates

The social media landscape has proven that public opinion can be a powerful force, pushing cultural and political discussions to the forefront. While the debate over Good Friday may eventually fade from the headlines, it is clear that social media will continue to shape the conversation around tradition, culture, and economics in Chile.

7. Future of Holidays in Chile: What’s Next?

The decision to no longer make Good Friday a mandatory holiday in 2025 is only the beginning of a broader conversation about the future of holidays in Chile. As the country continues to modernize and evolve, cultural practices and national observances may face even more scrutiny and reevaluation. The events of Good Friday in 2025 have opened the door to a larger debate about the role of tradition in a rapidly changing society.

Globalization and the Changing Landscape of Public Holidays

Chile is not the only country grappling with the balance between tradition and global economic forces. Around the world, there has been a growing trend toward secularization of public holidays, with many nations opting to commercialize certain observances to meet the demands of the globalized economy. Easter and Christmas have become just as much about consumerism as they are about religious observance.

As Chile continues to grow as a part of the global economy, it will likely face more difficult decisions about which holidays should remain sacred and which should be considered just another opportunity for economic activity. The shift away from mandatory holidays may signal the beginning of a larger trend where traditional observances take a backseat to commercial interests.

Policy Shifts and the Role of Government

One of the most pressing questions in the aftermath of Good Friday’s status change is what role the government will play in preserving cultural holidays. Will the state intervene to ensure that holidays with deep cultural and religious significance remain protected? Or will Chile continue down a path of secularization, where holidays are primarily seen through an economic lens?

Some lawmakers argue that the cultural heritage of Chile needs stronger protections, particularly for holidays like Good Friday, which represent more than just a religious observance—they are part of the country's collective memory. Advocates for the preservation of public holidays believe that such moves are essential to maintaining the national identity and shared values of the people.

Others, however, argue that increasingly diverse opinions and modern economic realities mean that the state should allow businesses and individuals the freedom to decide whether or not they observe specific holidays. They suggest that forcing businesses to close on certain days could be counterproductive, especially in the face of an economy that is still recovering from the effects of the global pandemic.

Possible Trends: The Rise of "Floating Holidays"

One potential solution that has been proposed is the creation of floating holidays, where citizens are allowed to choose which holidays they observe. In such a system, workers could decide whether they prefer to take Good Friday, Christmas Day, or another holiday off, providing flexibility while still respecting religious and cultural practices.

This model could allow for more individual autonomy in how holidays are observed while still acknowledging their importance in Chile’s collective history. However, this solution may not satisfy everyone, as it risks further undermining the communal aspect of traditional observances.

 Strengthening Worker Protections

For many workers, the issue isn’t just about holidays—it’s about workers’ rights. In response to the increasing commercialization of holidays, labor unions and worker advocacy groups will likely continue to push for stronger protections for employees in the retail and service sectors. These groups are demanding that workers be allowed to maintain their cultural and religious practices without the threat of economic consequences.

In the wake of Good Friday’s status change, unions have begun lobbying for mandatory holiday pay for employees who are required to work on days traditionally reserved for rest. Workers are calling for expanded benefits, better protections, and more substantial legal guarantees that their labor rights will be respected.

 A Move Toward a More Inclusive Holiday Calendar?

As Chile becomes more culturally diverse, the nation may also reconsider which holidays should be celebrated. The traditional Catholic calendar may no longer reflect the lived experiences of all citizens, especially as Indigenous communities, immigrant groups, and non-religious populations grow in number.

Some advocates have suggested that the holiday calendar should reflect this diversity by including secular holidays as well as multi-faith observances. For example, in recent years, there have been calls to make Indigenous Peoples Day a national holiday. Incorporating these new observances into the national calendar would allow for a more inclusive reflection of Chile’s changing demographics and values.

 Conclusion: Striking the Balance

The debate over Good Friday in Chile reflects a larger, ongoing struggle between the forces of tradition and modernity, between commerce and culture. As Chile navigates these tensions, it must find ways to balance the preservation of cultural and religious practices with the needs of an evolving economy.

The decision to remove Good Friday’s protected status in 2025 is just the beginning. In the coming years, Chile will likely face more debates about which holidays deserve legal protection, and which can be left to the forces of supply and demand. As the country continues to grow, these discussions will shape not only the future of national holidays but the very fabric of Chilean identity itself.