Viernes Santo
/ˌbjeɾnes ˈsanto/masculine
The English phrase 'good Friday' is translated into Spanish as Viernes Santo.
This term refers to the Friday before Easter Sunday, which commemorates the day of the crucifixion of Christ. When writing about the holiday, the name is typically capitalized as el Viernes Santo.
Meaning: The Friday before Easter Sunday, the commemoration of the day on which Christ was crucified (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Viernes Santo is literally translated as 'Holy Friday'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Viernes Santo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbjeɾnes ˈsanto/
Did you know?
- The word viernes comes from the Latin 'dies Veneris', which means 'day of Venus', the Roman goddess of love.
- In Spain, Viernes Santo is famous for the procesiones, where hooded figures called nazarenos carry heavy floats through the streets in a somber atmosphere.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, it is a traditional custom to eat torrijas, a sweet fried bread similar to French toast, specifically during the period including Viernes Santo.
Examples in context
- No se puede cantar y bailar en el Viernes Santo.You can't sing and dance on Good Friday.This sentence is useful for illustrating the restrictions on activities like singing and dancing on Viernes Santo.Tatoeba #4022848 by carlosalberto, translation #4022819 by mervert1
- Los creyentes se reúnen en la iglesia el Viernes de Pasión para conmemorar la muerte de Jesús.Believers gather in the church on Good Friday to commemorate the death of Jesus.
- El Viernes Santo es un día muy solemne.Good Friday is a very solemn day.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing their holiday plans.
- Lucía¿Qué vas a hacer el Viernes Santo, Javier?What are you going to do on Good Friday, Javier?
- JavierVoy a visitar a mi familia en el pueblo.I am going to visit my family in the village.
- LucíaYo también iré a la procesión del Viernes Santo.I will also go to the Good Friday procession.
- JavierEs una tradición muy bonita, Lucía.It is a very beautiful tradition, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good Friday” translations and entries Viernes Santo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Viernes Santo, santo, viernes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
