All Saints' Day
What Do People Do?
Tutti i Santi, or La festa di Ognissanti, is a day when people visit family and friends and exchange gifts and good will to one another. If Italians have the same name as a saint, it is a special day for them too.
Public Life
All Saints’ Day is a nationwide public holiday in Italy. Organizations and businesses that are closed include:
- Government offices.
- Post offices.
- Banks.
- Schools and other educational institutions.
Transport options, such as taxis, rail services between major cities and major long-route bus lines, are available but travelers are advised to check first with the local transport authorities.
Background
According to some sources, the idea for All Saints' Day goes back to the 4th century when the Greek Christians kept a festival on the first Sunday after Pentecost (in late May or early June) in honor of all martyrs and saints. It is celebrated in Italy and many other countries worldwide.
Symbols
Statues, images and icons in the image of the different saints are seen in many Catholic churches in Italy.