by Guisela Chiarella
Italy came to a standstill yesterday for All Saints’ Day, known locally as Ognissanti or Tutti i Santi, as the nation celebrated a public holiday observed every year on November 1. Italians everywhere marked the day by paying homage to the saints, and with it falling on a Friday this year, the holiday granted a long weekend, with schools and public offices closed and families taking time for reflection and remembrance.
For many Italians, this period extends into a two-day observance. Today, on November 2, Catholics recognize All Souls’ Day, a tradition dedicated to commemorating the lives of loved ones who have passed. Across the country, cemeteries will see steady streams of visitors tending to graves and leaving flowers, candles, and small tributes to honor their departed family members.
In Trieste, the rhythm of these days was felt in the quiet, respectful energy of the city’s streets and squares. Wandering through downtown, we observed residents preparing for their visits to family graves or savoring the time with loved ones in this extended pause from the ordinary bustle of daily life. From flower stalls setting up early for those seeking bouquets of chrysanthemums—flowers commonly associated with mourning in Italy—to families lingering in cafes, this long weekend allows space for connection and reflection.
As Italy pauses to observe these days, it reminds us of the deep-rooted customs that continue to shape modern life, fostering a sense of continuity and community.
