Good Friday Decreed Exceptional Holiday in Cuba

The Cuban government agreed to adjourn the work activities on Holy Week Friday, in consideration of Pope Benedict XVI, who made that request to President Raul Castro during his recent visit to the island.
An article published today says that during the meeting between the two dignitary on March 27, the Pope expressed his hope that Cuba adjourns not essential work activities on Friday of Holy Week, on the occasion of religious observances by the passion and death of Jesus of Nazareth.

Shortly before his departure, Raul Castro told Benedict XVI that the government agreed to his request, in exceptional, for next Friday April 6.

The measure was approved in consideration of His Holiness and the happy result of his extraordinary visit to the country, but reserves the final determination to the supreme bodies of the nation, emphasized the official text.

The Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church visited the island on March 26, 27 and 28, where he served two Masses, paid tribute to the Virgin of La caridad del Cobre and met with authorities and government officials.

On Christmas 1997, the Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro, also enacted an exceptional holiday due to the impending visit of the then Pope John Paul II. After that event, December 25 remained a holiday permanently. (Taken from PL)