All Saints’ Day in Colombia honors Christian saints and departed loved ones on the Monday after November 1. It’s a day for solemn remembrance, attending mass, and decorating graves with flowers and candles. Take time to reflect on the lives of those who have passed, visit a cemetery, or learn about the significance of the saints.
Want to sponsor All Saints Day (Colombia)? Learn how
History of All Saints Day (Colombia)
All Saints’ Day, also known as Feast of All Saints, is a religious public holiday celebrated by Christians on the Monday on or after November 1. In Colombia. All Saints’ Day dates back to a Greek Christian tradition from the fourth century. The first recorded All Saints’ Day was on 13 May 609 A.D., when Pope Boniface IV received Emperor Phocas’ gift of the Pantheon in Rome. The Pope declared the day a holiday in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all martyrs. During the reign of Pope Gregory III, the celebration was moved to November 1 and expanded to include the commemoration of all saints, including those whose sainthood is only known by God.
The holiday date might have been moved to replace Samhain, a pagan feast of the dead. It is said that evil spirits once prowled the countryside seeking humans the night before Samhain, causing people to dress as beasts to fool the spirits. The pagan account survived the Reformation, but Protestants associated it with All Souls’ Day, which falls on November 2. Although the church banned the holiday in 1770, several congregations still observe it on the first Sunday in November.
Catholics are urged to attend service on November 1. The feast is marked by reading the Beatitudes, eight blessings Jesus mentioned during the Sermon on the Mount documented in Matthew’s Gospel. In recent years, churches also began to honor people who died throughout the year, and the burning of candles on graves the evening before All Saints’ Eve became a tradition.
All Saints Day (Colombia) timeline
Spain invades Colombia.
SimĂłn BolĂvar overcomes the Spanish in Boyacá, and Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela establish the Republic of Gran Colombia.
Gran Colombia disbands after Venezuela and Ecuador separate from the union, leaving current Colombia and Panama as New Granada.
The country promulgates a new constitution.
All Saints Day (Colombia) FAQs
When is All Saints' Day in Colombia?
All Saints’ Day in Colombia 2026 falls on Monday, November 2, a day dedicated to honoring Christian saints and departed loved ones. It’s a time for reflection and spiritual observance.
How many people observe All Saints' Day in Colombia?
All Saints’ Day is observed by the vast majority of Colombia’s population, as roughly 70% of Colombians identify as Catholic, with many other Christian denominations also participating. Millions attend mass and visit cemeteries.
What are the main traditions for All Saints' Day in Colombia?
In 2026, Colombians will uphold traditions of attending special masses, placing lit candles and flowers on the graves of loved ones, and sharing meals with family. It’s a day for collective remembrance.
Is All Saints' Day a public holiday in Colombia?
Yes, All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Colombia. While traditionally on November 1, it is observed on the following Monday, November 2, 2026, as per the ‘Law of Bridges’ which moves holidays to Mondays.
How to Observe All Saints Day (Colombia)
Spend time with family
Take advantage of the long weekend and see your friends and family. Spend the holiday with loved ones, and enjoy painting tombs and placing flowers on graves.
Light a candle
Join the celebration of the saints by burning candles and attending a church service. Take a moment to pray for their blessings.
Visit the cemetery
Go to the cemetery to honor your deceased loved ones. Bring their favorite foods and beverages and play their favorite songs.
5 Interesting Facts About Colombia
Its national sport is tejo
Tejo is a team sport involving metal discs with gunpowder that explode on impact.
It’s a biodiverse country
Colombia is the world’s second most biodiverse country behind Brazil, which is 10 times its size.
It has the most species
The country possesses the most species per area in the globe, with more bird species than Europe and North America combined.
It was named after an explorer
Colombia’s official name is the Republic of Colombia, derived from the surname of explorer Christopher Columbus.
It values nationalism
Every day at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Colombian radio stations and public television must play the national anthem.
Why All Saints Day (Colombia) is Important
It honors saints
All Saints’ Day commemorates all Christian saints and martyrs. It acknowledges their faith and love for God.
It unites families
Many families gather from across the country to spend the long weekend together. They go to church and visit the graves of their loved ones.
It has a long history
All Saints’ Day dates back to 609 A.D. It also has roots in pagan traditions that make the day and its celebrations all the more interesting to learn about.
All Saints Day (Colombia) dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 2 | Monday |
