Public holiday in Germany
All Saints' Day in Germany
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Regional public holiday
Observed in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland
All Saints' Day is a regional public holiday in five German states, observed on 1 November. It is the Catholic feast day for remembering all saints and the dead, and it is relevant mainly in Germany’s traditionally Catholic areas.
About All Saints' Day in Germany
In Germany, All Saints' Day is a public holiday only in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. In those states it has practical significance for everyday planning, while neighbouring states do not observe it as a holiday. The day also sits next to All Souls' Day on 2 November in the Catholic calendar, so it is part of a two-day period of remembrance in areas where the holiday is observed.
History
The German observance reflects the long-standing Catholic calendar rather than a nationwide state tradition. Its present public-holiday status is limited to states with historically Catholic populations, which followed different holiday rules after German unification and later state-level legislation.
Traditions
In the states where it is observed, many Catholics attend Mass and pray for the dead. Families often visit cemeteries, clean graves and place flowers, candles or lanterns on them, especially in the evening before or on the day itself.
How All Saints' Day is celebrated in Germany
The day is generally quiet in the affected states. Church services and cemetery visits are the most visible observances, and many towns have a subdued atmosphere compared with ordinary weekdays.
Interesting facts
All Saints' Day is not a public holiday across all of Germany; it is regional, not federal. The holiday falls on 1 November, while All Souls' Day follows on 2 November, but only the first is a public holiday in the listed German states.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 Nov 2026 | — | Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.