All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st each year, is a significant national holiday in Italy. The Italian name for this holiday is 'Tutti i Santi' or 'Ognissanti', a day in which Italians pay respect to saints and martyrs, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifices. This Christian tradition blends with ancient Roman ones, offering a day to remember and honor the souls of deceased loved ones. Celebrated as a public holiday, businesses and schools across Italy close, allowing people to freely participate in religious and local customs.
All sorts of community activities are characterized in Italy during All Saints' Day. Many Italians attend mass or visit cemeteries to commemorate and pray for departed loved ones, by leaving flowers (often chrysanthemums) and lighting candles on their graves. In others, processions are held and churches are adorned with white flowers, while families come together to share a festive meal. In Venice, a traditional custom is to ring bells in celebration.
In addition to the solemn and respectful observances, Ognissanti also marks the beginning of the Italian winter holiday season. Confectioners and bakeries begin production of traditional Italian sweets associated with the upcoming holidays, such as Panettone and torrone. Tracing back to ancient customs, it is also said that children in some regions of Italy would wake up on All Saints' Day to find small gifts left by the saints during the night.