In the Christian calendar, Good Friday in Verges is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and is an integral part of the Holy Week festivities. This day is a public holiday throughout Catalan-speaking regions, except in Northern Catalonia, and in many countries with a predominantly Christian population.
Tradition and Observance
Historically, Jesus’ message easily reached the crowds, as reflected in various Gospel passages. However, it was unsatisfactory to the Sadducees (a Hebrew sect allied with the Romans) and the Pharisees, whom he called hypocrites.
At that time, the power structure in Israel was corrupt. The Romans held absolute nominal power but allowed local authorities to govern minor matters, a common practice across their empire.
This corruption meant that key positions in the Sanhedrin, including that of the High Priest, were bought. Furthermore, the main authorities were related to each other and to the Romans. It is no surprise, then, that the preaching of this rabbi, who criticized the authorities, ended in his execution.
In the past, Good Friday in Catalonia began with a solemn and silent Way of the Cross in the morning, followed by the liturgical service in the afternoon. Other acts of mourning included the Sermons of the Seven Last Words, featuring famous preachers, especially in cathedrals. Mourning processions were also held in many places like Perpignan, Tarragona, and Andorra.
Good Friday in Verges
Today in Verges, you will find a ghost town. Everyone is resting from the efforts of the previous night. Municipal cleaning services will have already cleared any trace of the major event.
However, some early-rising grandmothers will sweep their section of the street again, even washing it down with water to make it even cleaner.
Other early risers include those in charge of the religious scenes and the parish priest. By 10 AM, they will begin removing the flowers from each image, cleaning it, and returning it to its proper place.
On Good Friday, the disciples weep before the tomb of Jesus.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
