That’s why dancing is not allowed in Germany on Good Friday

In Germany, special legal regulations have been in force on Good Friday for many years. This is to recognize the importance of Good Friday as a quiet Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and viewed as a day of mourning and penance.

For this reason there is the so-called “ban on dancing”, which is regulated by the public holiday law of the respective federal states and is handled differently in each federal state. It prohibits public dances and similar boisterous activities. Violations of the ban can even be punished with fines.

Is that still up to date?

There has long been a debate about whether the “ban on dancing” is still up to date. Critics of the “ban on dancing” argue that it violates the principle of the separation of church and state and constitutes a restriction on individual freedom. In addition, cultural diversity is not sufficiently taken into account, as this is a strongly Catholic tradition. Economic reasons and a changed meaning of religious rituals are also cited.

On the other hand, defenders of the “ban on dancing” emphasize that it is a long-standing tradition that also includes the so-called holiday rest. The religious significance of the high Christian holiday Good Friday would thus be preserved and the desire to consciously practice mourning and penance on one day of the year would be respected.

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