When are Catholics generally not supposed to eat meat?

Catholics generally observe a practice of abstaining from meat on Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and serves as a day of penance and reflection. This tradition is rooted in the belief that Jesus sacrificed himself, and fasting or abstaining from certain foods is a way to honor that sacrifice. The Church encourages the faithful to refrain from eating meat on this day as part of Lent, which is a period of preparation for Easter.

While there may be other specific days of fasting or abstinence throughout the liturgical year, such as Ash Wednesday and during Lent, Good Friday is distinctly recognized as a solemn day when the faithful are called to perform acts of penance, including abstaining from meat. This aligns with the broader practices established by the Catholic Church regarding dietary restrictions during significant liturgical events.