Christianfeast day:
Alphonsus Rodriguez, Ampliatus, Begu, Erc of Slane(inCornwall), Foillan(inNamur), Martin Luther(Anglican Communion), Paul Shinji SasakiandPhilip Lindel Tsen(Episcopal Church), Quentin, BlessedTheodore Romzha(Ruthenian Catholic Church), Wolfgang of Regensburg, October 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day honoring multiple saints and martyrs across various Christian traditions on October 31.
This day in the Christian liturgical calendar commemorates a group of saints and martyrs, including Alphonsus Rodriguez, Ampliatus, Begu, and others whose legacies date back centuries. Observed in both Western and Eastern traditions, the feast links to events in Cornwall, Namur, and the Anglican and Ruthenian Catholic Churches. In Eastern Orthodoxy, it marks a series of liturgics remembered annually on October 31. Participants may attend special prayers, mass, and readings reflecting the lives and virtues of these figures. The observance fosters a sense of continuity and shared faith across diverse Christian communities. It also highlights the historical connections between different branches of Christianity. Each figure celebrated has a unique story that has inspired generations of believers.
feast day
Alphonsus Rodriguez
Ampliatus
Begu
Erc of Slane
Cornwall
Foillan
Namur
Martin Luther
Anglican Communion
Paul Shinji Sasaki
Philip Lindel Tsen
Episcopal Church
Quentin
Theodore Romzha
Ruthenian Catholic Church
Wolfgang of Regensburg
October 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Día de la Canción Criolla(Peru)
An annual celebration in Peru honoring the rich tradition of Creole music on October 31.
Established in 1944, Día de la Canción Criolla celebrates the development of Peruvian Creole music, which blends indigenous, African, and European influences. Festivities include live musical performances of marinera, vals, and tondero styles across Lima and other cities. Musicians, dancers, and cultural institutions host contests and parades showcasing traditional attire and instruments like the cajón. The day highlights the importance of Creole song in shaping Peru’s national identity and cultural heritage. Fans gather in local peñas to enjoy communal meals featuring quintessential Peruvian dishes such as ceviche and anticuchos. Media outlets broadcast special programs dedicated to legendary artists like Chabuca Granda and Eva Ayllón. Día de la Canción Criolla fosters pride in Peru’s musical landscape and encourages younger generations to carry on this vibrant art form.
Día de la Canción Criolla
Peru
Earliest day on whichAll Saints Daycan fall, while November 6 is the latest; celebrated on Saturday between October 31 and November 6 (Finland, Sweden)
The earliest possible observance of All Saints Day in Finland and Sweden, falling on October 31 when celebrated on the Saturday between October 31 and November 6.
All Saints Day is a public holiday in Finland and Sweden, observed on the Saturday between October 31 and November 6 each year. When it falls on October 31, it marks the earliest date for this solemn commemoration. Families visit cemeteries to light candles and lay flowers on the graves of loved ones. Church services reflect on the lives of saints and those who have passed, combining both religious and cultural customs. The day offers a moment for reflection and remembrance ahead of the darker winter months. Community events often include choral performances of sacred music. The observance underscores themes of memory, heritage, and spiritual continuity within Nordic societies.
All Saints Day
Halloween and related celebrations:
Allantide(Cornwall), Halloween(Ireland, Canada, United Kingdom, United States andother places), Hop-tu-Naa(Isle of Man), Samhainin the Northern Hemisphere,Beltanein the Southern Hemisphere; begins on sunset of October 31 (Gaels,Welsh peopleandNeopaganWheel of the Year), The first day of theDay of the Dead, celebrated until November 2 (Mexico)
A pan-cultural observance of Halloween and related festivals rooted in Celtic traditions and celebrated worldwide on October 31.
Halloween traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter. In Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, it features trick-or-treating, costume parties, and jack-o’-lantern carving. In Cornwall, the tradition of Allantide includes the exchange of sweet cider buns and gifts. The Isle of Man celebrates Hop-tu-Naa with songs and lantern parades. Neopagan communities observe October 31 as one of the eight festivals on the Wheel of the Year, focusing on rituals to honor ancestors. In the Southern Hemisphere, a complementary festival of Beltane signals the mid-point of the growing season. Mexico’s Day of the Dead begins on October 31, blending Halloween customs with indigenous remembrance of the departed. Across cultures, these celebrations blend history, folklore, and communal creativity.
Allantide
Cornwall
Halloween
Ireland
other places
Hop-tu-Naa
Isle of Man
Samhain
Beltane
Gaels
Welsh people
Neopagan
Wheel of the Year
Day of the Dead
Girl Scouts Founders Day(United States)
A day to honor Juliette Gordon Low and the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA on October 31.
Observed annually in the United States, Girl Scouts Founders Day commemorates the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, who established the Girl Scouts in 1912. The event recognizes her vision to empower girls through leadership, community service, and outdoor activities. Local troop meetings incorporate special programs that highlight the organization’s history and core values. Many councils host badge workshops and service projects to inspire members to continue Low’s legacy. Parades, cake-cutting ceremonies, and social media campaigns celebrate the diverse achievements of Girl Scouts nationwide. The day fosters sisterhood and encourages current and former members to reflect on their personal growth through scouting. By spotlighting past and present successes, the holiday aims to energize future generations of young women leaders.
Girl Scouts Founders Day
United States
King Father's Birthday(Cambodia)
A national holiday in Cambodia honoring the birthday of the late King Norodom Sihanouk on October 31.
King Father’s Birthday marks the birth of King Norodom Sihanouk, a revered figure in modern Cambodian history. The day is celebrated with official ceremonies, cultural performances, and offerings at royal palaces and pagodas. Citizens pay homage by lighting candles, presenting flowers, and participating in traditional Khmer dances. Government-organized events include concerts and exhibitions showcasing Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Schools and community groups join in educational activities to reflect on King Sihanouk’s contributions to national unity and independence. Streets and public buildings are adorned with portraits of the late monarch and national flags. The holiday fosters a spirit of reflection on Cambodia’s past and hopes for its future.
King Father's Birthday
Cambodia
National Unity Day(India)
An annual observance in India honoring the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and promoting national unity on October 31.
National Unity Day commemorates the birth of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the ‘Iron Man of India,’ and his role in uniting hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union. The day is marked by the ‘Run for Unity,’ where participants across the country join races and marches. Government offices, schools, and social institutions host events to raise awareness about the importance of solidarity and integrity. Speeches and seminars highlight Patel’s leadership qualities and his efforts in fostering communal harmony. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural performances underscore India’s diverse yet unified identity. Citizens are encouraged to pledge allegiance to the principles of unity, democracy, and national service. National Unity Day inspires reflection on the values that bind India’s citizens together.
National Unity Day
India
Reformation Day(Slovenia, parts ofGermany,Chile, variousProtestant churcheswith a particular emphasis inLutheranandReformedones)
An annual observance on October 31 marking the anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
Reformation Day commemorates Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses in 1517, which sparked the Protestant Reformation. It is observed by Protestant churches worldwide, with special services, lectures, and hymn singing focusing on themes of faith and reform. In parts of Germany, Slovenia, and Chile, the day is also a public holiday, reflecting its profound cultural impact. Lutheran and Reformed congregations emphasize theological teachings that arose from the Reformation, including justification by faith alone. Academic institutions may host debates and presentations on the historical and religious significance of the movement. Some regions hold processions or enactments of key moments from the 16th century. The observance offers a chance to examine the Reformation’s enduring influence on Western Christianity and society.
Reformation Day
Slovenia
Germany
Chile
Protestant churches
Lutheran
Reformed
Saci Day(Brazil)
A cultural celebration in Brazil honoring Saci, the iconic one-legged trickster from Afro-Brazilian folklore, on October 31.
Saci Day was created to promote and preserve Brazilian folklore by celebrating the mischievous character Saci-Pererê. Schools, museums, and cultural centers organize storytelling sessions, theater performances, and art workshops around his tales. The day emphasizes the importance of indigenous and African influences in shaping Brazil’s rich mythological heritage. Participants often wear red hats and pipe props, symbolizing the traditional depiction of Saci. Parades and community gatherings feature colorful costumes and live music that highlight regional variations of the legend. Through Saci Day, Brazilians reconnect with cultural roots and foster pride in their diverse ancestral narratives. The celebration encourages a new generation to keep these folk stories alive through modern artistic expressions.
Saci Day
Brazil
Alphonsus Rodriguez
Alphonsus Rodriguez
Ampliatus
Feast day of Saint Ampliatus, one of the Seventy Apostles, venerated in Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Saint Ampliatus is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the Seventy Disciples who supported the early Christian community in Rome. Tradition holds that he became the Bishop of Apamea, performing numerous miracles and teaching the faith throughout Asia Minor. Orthodox Christians commemorate his life and witness on October 31 with special liturgical services. Icons depict him holding a scroll, symbolizing his apostolic preaching. His example of humility and dedication continues to inspire believers around the world.
Ampliatus
Begu
Commemoration of Saint Begu, an early medieval abbess and teacher known for her devotion and service.
Saint Begu, also known as Bega or Begha, was a 7th-century Irish nun who founded a hermitage near St. Bees in Cumbria. Celebrated on October 31, her life exemplifies commitment to prayer, hospitality, and education of young women. Legend tells of her journey from Ireland to England, where she established a center of learning and spiritual guidance. The memory of her gentle leadership and charitable works endures in local traditions and church dedications. Pilgrims visit her shrine to honor her legacy of faith and compassion.
Begu