Every year on November 1, Italy celebrates All Saints’ Day, known in Italian as Ognissanti or Tutti i Santi. This important national holiday honors all the saints of the Catholic Church, including those who do not have a specific feast day dedicated to them.
Watch My Video: All Saints’ Day in Italy Explained
Want to learn more about how Italians observe this important holiday? In this video below, I am walking through the streets of Palermo, explaining the importance of the holiday along with what the typical business hours for the different stores in Italy are on that day.
I▶ Watch the video below: All Saints’ Day in Italy – November 1
Whether you’re studying Italian, planning a vacation, or simply interested in Italian traditions, this video offers a quick introduction to an important part of Italian culture.
For Italians, All Saints’ Day is beyond just a religious celebration. It is a time for faith, family, remembrance, and reflection. It is also an official public holiday throughout Italy, which means many businesses, schools, and government offices close for the day.
If you’re planning to visit Italy around November 1, understanding this holiday can help you appreciate Italian culture without suffering unforeseen interruptions to your travel plans.
What Is All Saints’ Day in Italy?
All Saints’ Day, or Ognissanti, is celebrated annually on November 1.
The holiday is firmly rooted in Italy’s Catholic traditions and recognizes the lives of saints who are honored for their faith, devotion, and service to others.
Throughout Italy, churches hold special Masses, and many Italians attend religious services to commemorate the occasion.
Although All Saints’ Day is primarily a religious holiday, it is also an important part of Italian cultural identity.
Families often spend the day together, having a leisurely meal, attending church, or visiting relatives.
For many Italians, the holiday also marks the beginning of two days devoted to remembering loved ones who have passed away.
What Is Closed in Italy on November 1?
One of the most important things travelers should know is that All Saints’ Day is a national public holiday in Italy.
Consequently, many necessary services and businesses are closed.
Banking hours for All Saint’s Day
The national holiday closes the banks.
If you need to exchange money, visit a bank branch, or conduct an in-person financial transaction, plan to do so before the holiday.
ATMs generally remain available for cash withdrawals.
Post Offices
Italian post offices, known as uffici postali, are generally closed on All Saints’ Day.
If you need to mail packages, purchase postage, or conduct postal transactions, make arrangements before November 1.
Schools
The national holiday in Italy also closes the schools.
Students and teachers have the day off, and many families use the opportunity to spend time together or visit relatives.
Government Offices
Government offices, municipal offices, and many other public administrative services will be closed.
This includes offices where visitors might normally handle residency documents, permits, or other administrative matters.
If you have official business to conduct in Italy, avoid scheduling appointments for November 1.
Food Vendors, Markets, and Street Stands
Food markets and outdoor vendors may operate on reduced schedules during All Saints’ Day.
In many locations, food vendors, market stalls, and street stands may open for only half a day, often closing around lunchtime or early afternoon.
Others may remain closed for the entire holiday.
However, operating hours vary considerably by city, neighborhood, and type of market.
If you enjoy shopping at traditional Italian food markets, purchasing fresh produce, or visiting local street vendors, consider doing your shopping early in the morning.
It is always advisable to check local market schedules because some markets may not operate at all on November 1.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Tourist Attractions
Fortunately for travelers, Italy does not completely shut down for All Saints’ Day!
Many restaurants, cafés, gelaterias, and businesses serving tourists remain open, particularly in major destinations such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, and Milan.
Some restaurants may even be busier than usual because families gather for holiday meals.
Major tourist attractions may remain open, although holiday schedules can vary.
Churches in Italy
Churches may also have special religious services that affect sightseeing hours.
Travel tip: If you plan to visit a popular restaurant or attraction on November 1, check its holiday hours in advance.
How Do Italians Celebrate Ognissanti?
Although traditions vary throughout the country, several customs are commonly associated with All Saints’ Day.
Attending Mass
For practicing Catholics, attending Mass is an important part of the holiday.
Churches throughout Italy celebrate special services honoring the saints.
Spending Time With Family
Because November 1 is a national holiday, many Italians take advantage of the day off to gather with family members.
Extended family lunches are especially common, expressing the importance of food and family in Italian life.
Useful Italian Vocabulary for All Saints’ Day
Il primo novembre – November 1
Festa nazionale – National Holiday
La Chiesa – The Church
La Messa – The Mass
Il Santo – The Saint
Il Cimitero – Cemetary
Chiuso – Closed
Aperto – Open
Orari Festivi – Holiday or Sunday hours
Giorni Feriali – Weekdays or Working Days – Monday through Saturday
Orari Feriali – Weekday or normal Business Hours Monday through Saturday
Orari Lavorativi – Business Hours
Useful Italian phrase:
Il primo novembre è festa nazionale in Italia.
English translation: November 1 is a national holiday in Italy.
Another helpful phrase for travelers:
I negozi sono aperti oggi?
English translation: Are the shops open today?
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