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Yesterday, we saw “Happy Halloween” signs (in English) posted on the entrance door of the nursery school across from our house. Spanish stores were filled with funny and terrifying costumes for children and adults. Walking down the street, one could see young children and teenagers dressed as princesses, superheroes, and zombis. However, no trick or treaters came to our door. That’s probably best, we didn’t have any candy to give away.
Halloween is becoming more and more popular every year in Spanish culture. However, the importance of Halloween in Europe doesn’t begin to compare to the importance of “All Saints’ Day.”
November 1
Typically celebrated on November 1, “All Saints’ Day” commemorates all Christian saints and martyrs—known and unknown. It is also known as “All Hallows’ Day,” “Solemnity of All Saints,” “Hallowmas,” or “Feast of Saints.”
It begins at sundown on the evening before, “Hallowe’en” or “All Hallow’s Eve.” It is followed by “All Souls’ Day” on November 2.
https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/all-saints-day
Schools, stores, and businesses are typically closed for “All Saints’ Day.” People usually gather together with friends and family to celebrate.
“In France, lunch on ‘All Saints’ Day’ is usually lamb or game. But at midnight, the French often eat a supper that consists of bacon, black grain, pancakes and cider in honor of the dead.”
https://publicholidays.fr/all-saints-day/
Devout Christians will attend church services on this day. Many will also go to the graves to lay colorful chrysanthemums or marigolds on the tombstones of their loved ones.
‘The Flower of the Dead’
“Those are the Flowers of the Dead,” our friend explained to us while pointing to the colorful marigolds at his plant stand. We were at the local outdoor market down the street from our house talking to our favorite Moroccan vendor.
“Los Flores des Muertos” (“The Flowers of the Dead”) symbolize the Dia de los Muertos, the “Day of the Dead” or “All Saints Day.”
“The marigold, and flowers in general, represent the fragility of life. It is believed that the spirits of our departed loved ones come to visit during the celebration and marigolds are used to help guide the spirits with their vibrant color.”
https://www.1800flowers.com/blog/julie/holiday-decorations/day-of-the-dead-marigolds/
Interesting . . . there seems to be a connection between “All Saints’ Day” and Halloween—with the dead spirits that characterize that celebration.
In any case, whether it be for Halloween, “All Saints’ Day,” or any other holiday, kids in Europe are always glad to have two extra days off of school!
More reading on “All Saints’ Day”:
All Saints Day: The History and the Traditions Behind the Holiday
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Have you ever heard of “All Saints’ Day”? Do you celebrate it in your home country and culture? What do you do to celebrate it?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
This sounds like Memorial Day in the US. Love the pretty marigolds! Such a happy pretty flower! Thanks for sharing.
Yes, aren’t they gorgeous!? Yes, I think it’s similar to Memorial Day in the U.S.