The city of Houston’s official X account deleted a post referring to Good Friday as a “spring holiday” after backlash from government officials and others on the platform.
“Due to the Spring holiday weekend, City of Houston offices will be closed on Friday, April 3,” the now-deleted post said.
“Today is Good Friday. Sunday is Easter. It isn’t a ‘Spring holiday weekend,’” Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) wrote in response. “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.”
Today is Good Friday. Sunday is Easter.
It isn’t a “Spring holiday weekend.”
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. pic.twitter.com/Q6fUVtMQwu
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) April 3, 2026
“It’s okay to acknowledge Christian holidays,” Libby Emmons, editor in chief of The Post Millennial, wrote.
Newsmax host Todd Starnes posted a side-by-side comparison of the city’s Good Friday post and Mayor John Whitmire’s post celebrating the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr — and noted the clear difference in tone.
“Notice the difference in how Houston City Hall celebrates a Christian holiday compared to a Muslim holiday,” Starnes wrote on X.
Notice the difference in how Houston City Hall celebrates a Christian holiday compared to a Muslim holiday. pic.twitter.com/CHKbrOf2TK
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) April 2, 2026
“Wishing those who celebrate, a joyful and blessed Eid al-Fitr,” the Houston Mayor’s Office account posted in acknowledgment of the Muslim holiday. “May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and renewed gratitude.”
At the time of publication, the city had not yet posted anything recognizing Easter other than a repost from the city’s health department warning about the risks of contracting bird flu while handling eggs. The account has recognized Easter in previous years. The city has also posted about the Muslim holiday Ramadan.
Republican state Rep. Tom Oliverson called the difference in the city’s posts “embarrassing.”
“Be better,” Oliverson wrote on X. “Today is Good Friday, not Spring Holiday.”
The city’s post is still up on Instagram, with the vast majority of comments on that platform also criticizing the city’s wording.
“Spring Holiday” is listed as an official city holiday on Houston’s calendar that falls on Good Friday. In 2027, “Spring Holiday” — and Good Friday — will fall on March 26.
