Houston Faces Backlash for Calling Good Friday 'Spring Holiday Weekend'

City's social media post ignores Christian holiday, sparking outrage from residents and officials.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a government building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the complexities of serving a diverse community.The City of Houston's failure to properly recognize Good Friday highlights the challenges local governments face in representing the diverse religious and cultural observances of their constituents.Houston Today

The City of Houston faced significant backlash on social media after referring to Good Friday and Easter Sunday as a 'Spring holiday weekend' in a post announcing the closure of city offices. The post failed to acknowledge the Christian significance of the holidays, drawing criticism from local residents, a talk radio host, and Republican Congressman Troy Nehls, who represents part of the Houston metro area.

Why it matters

With over two-thirds of adults in the Houston area identifying as Christian, the city's decision to omit any reference to Good Friday and Easter in its holiday announcement was seen by many as insensitive and disrespectful towards the religious beliefs of a large portion of the local population.

The details

The City of Houston's social media post stated that 'due to the Spring holiday weekend, City of Houston offices will be closed on Friday, April 3.' The city's official 2026 holiday schedule also referred to the date as 'Spring Holiday.' Users on social media platforms were quick to criticize the post, with one writing 'It's okay to acknowledge Christian holidays.' Talk radio host Kenny Webster called it 'a major fail for Houston today,' adding 'Christian lives matter.' Republican Congressman Troy Nehls, who represents a large part of the Houston metro area, also posted in criticism, stating 'It's a time when Christians across the nation reflect on the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The City of Houston should be ashamed.'

  • City of Houston offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The players

City of Houston

The local government of Houston, Texas.

Troy Nehls

Republican Congressman representing a large portion of the Houston metropolitan area.

Kenny Webster

Talk radio host critical of the City of Houston's social media post.

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What they’re saying

“A major fail for Houston today. Christian lives matter.”

— Kenny Webster, Talk radio host

“It's a time when Christians across the nation reflect on the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The City of Houston should be ashamed.”

— Troy Nehls, Republican Congressman

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance for local governments to be sensitive and inclusive when acknowledging religious and cultural holidays, especially in diverse communities with significant Christian populations. The City of Houston's failure to properly recognize Good Friday and Easter Sunday led to widespread backlash and criticism from residents and officials, underscoring the need for more thoughtful and inclusive holiday messaging from public agencies.