All Saints' Day in Finland is a solemn day dedicated to honoring all saints and the memory of departed loved ones, marked by church services and the tradition of lighting candles on graves, which illuminate cemeteries across Finland during the dark autumn nights.

When is All Saints' Day?

All Saints' Day in Finland is observed on the Saturday between October 31 and November 6.

The following is the list of All Saints' Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of All Saints' Day?

All Saints' Day was introduced to Finland during the Catholic Middle Ages. The Catholic Church had set November 1 as the Feast of All Saints (honoring all canonized saints) and November 2 as All Souls' Day (commemorating the dead).

In Finland, as elsewhere in Europe, these days were observed with church services and prayers for both saints and departed loved ones.

When Finland became Lutheran under Swedish rule, the Catholic practice of honoring canonized saints was reduced. However, the tradition of remembering the faithful departed remained very important. Over time, the two observances (All Saints' and All Souls') were merged into a single holiday, still known as "Saints' Day".

For centuries, All Saints' Day in Finland was observed on November 1.

In 1774, under Swedish law, the celebration was moved to the first Sunday in November.

In 1955, Finland set the holiday on the Saturday between October 31 and November 6.

Today, All Saints' Day is one of the most solemn Finnish holidays. Its focus is on remembrance of the dead, expressed through church services and the tradition of lighting candles on graves, a custom that became widespread in the 20th century.

The holiday blends Catholic, Lutheran, and folk traditions, evolving from a feast of saints into a day that unites Finns in commemorating both saints and loved ones who have passed away.