Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Sunday 22 December |
Saint of the Day: Bl. Jutta of Diessenberg
Aleteia logo
Travel
separateurCreated with Sketch.

What is All Souls’ Day and how is it celebrated around the world?

All Souls Day

Creative Commons/Lukas Plewnia

Katherine Ruddy -

These culture-rich celebrations are as unique as they are beautiful.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

Not to be confused with All Saints Day—a holy day of obligation honoring the lives and works of saints already in heaven—All Souls’ Day is dedicated to remembering all who have died, particularly, the souls in purgatory. Recognized on November 2, All Souls’ Day is not a holy day of obligation, however, priests are able to celebrate extra Masses that day for the deceased, usually three in the day.

As well, countries around the world have adopted their own traditions to honor the deceased. Festivities typically begin on All Saints Day and continue through the end of All Souls’ Day. From lighting up cemeteries with thousands of candles in Poland to sharing a meal at a gravesite in Peru, these cultural traditions are beautiful in their own unique ways.

Launch the slideshow below for a look at the beautiful celebrations around the world:



Read more:
“Month’s Mind Mass”: Honoring the departed a month later

Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.