All Saints' Day, known as 'Día de Todos los Santos' in Peru, is celebrated on the first day of November every year. This public holiday is a key religious event in Peru and it honors every Christian saint, particularly those who do not have their own specific feast day. All Saints' Day is not just a day of prayer and church services, but also a family-oriented event filled with traditions.
On All Saints' Day in Peru, people pay their respects to the deceased and make offerings to honor their lives. It is customary for families to visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and adorn their graves with flowers and light candles. Often, families will spend the day at the cemetery, praying and reminiscing about their departed relatives. Special masses are held in churches and some people also organize All Saints' Day processions.
Another unique Peruvian tradition during All Saints' Day pertains to the preparation of a typical meal named 'Lechon', which is a roasted suckling pig dish. This holiday also marks the beginning of the 'Día de los muertos' (Day of the Dead) in Peru, a celebration that extends to the next day. Despite its solemn nature, All Saints' Day in Peru is a celebration of lives lived and a deep expression of ancestral respect, emphasizing the bond between the living and the dead.