When is All Souls’ Day?
In 2026, All Souls’ Day falls on Monday, November 2, 2026. It is classified here as a San Marino public holiday.
History of All Souls’ Day
All Souls’ Day on November 2 is officially the Commemoration of the Departed in San Marino. Catholic communities use it to pray for the faithful dead, a practice given broad liturgical form in medieval Europe and placed immediately after All Saints’ Day. San Marino is unusual among European states in retaining November 2 itself as a nationwide public holiday. The Central Bank’s national calendar lists it independently, confirming that it is not merely an informal continuation of November 1.
Cemetery visits are the most visible custom. Families tend graves, leave chrysanthemums and light candles, while parishes celebrate Masses for the deceased. The succession of two public holidays allows remembrance to unfold without collapsing their different theological meanings: November 1 honours saints, and November 2 intercedes for all departed believers. The holiday is fixed to its date and has no automatic substitute-day mechanism. Visitors should expect public-office and payment-system closures, although museums, restaurants and other services may set individual hours.
How All Souls’ Day is observed
A nationwide public holiday fixed on November 2, observed separately from All Saints’ Day with public closures and concentrated cemetery visitation.
Traditions of All Souls’ Day
Cemetery visits
Families visit and tend relatives’ graves, often making time for several generations to remember the dead together respectfully.
Flowers and candles
Chrysanthemums, other flowers and votive lights are placed at tombs, creating a visible landscape of remembrance in local cemeteries.
Masses for the departed
Parishes offer liturgies and prayers for deceased community members, maintaining the day’s distinct Catholic purpose after All Saints.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Republic of San Marino official calendar. Public-office and private-sector schedules may differ around national and religious holidays.
History sources: Central Bank of San Marino: national holiday calendar, Visit San Marino: religious and national holidays, Vatican: General Roman Calendar.
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