Easter weekend is upon us, with people around Northern Ireland eager to make use of their bank holidays.
As well as being a hugely significant day in the Christian calendar, many people are planning their breaks around the holy week after two years of disruption due to Covid-19.
Read more: Surprise opening announced for former Barry's Amusements complex
Although, you may be wondering if Good Friday is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland. And we're here to tell you!
Is Good Friday a bank holiday?
Easter Sunday falls on April 17 this year, meaning that Good Friday falls on April 15 and Easter Monday on April 18.
In Northern Ireland, both Good Friday and Easter Monday are regarded as Bank Holiday dates.
So if you're lucky enough, enjoy your four-day weekend!
Why does Easter change dates every year?
In the Easter story, the Last Supper - the night before Jesus was crucified - took place on the Jewish festival of Passover. The next day, Jesus was executed. He was buried and then rose on the "third day". That third day is now marked by Easter Sunday.
In Early Christianity, Jews who converted to the religion chose to mark Easter at the same time as Passover.
The dates for Passover are linked to the first full moon after the spring equinox. So Easter takes place on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Christians always celebrate Easter Sunday after Passover, so if the full moon falls on a Sunday, they push Easter back by a week to make sure.
What are the remaining Bank Holiday dates in Northern Ireland:
- Early May Bank Holiday - May 2
- Spring Bank Holiday - June 2
- Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday - 3 June
- Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day - July 12
- Summer Bank Holiday - August 29
- Boxing Day - December 26
- Christmas Day - December 27
Read more: Line of Duty star has his say on the return of hit BBC series
Read more: Doctor representing Northern Ireland on 'Bridgerton style' American dating show
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
