October 31

Holidays & Observances - Religious Festivals

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)

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

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

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

Erc of Slane(inCornwall)

Feast day of Saint Erc, founder of the church at Slane and venerated in Cornwall.
Saint Erc, consecrated by Saint Patrick as the first Bishop of Slane in the 5th century, is honored on October 31. After establishing his diocese in Ireland, he evangelized the local community with compassion and wisdom. Some traditions also venerate him in Cornwall, where his cult spread through monastic networks. His legacy includes fostering Christian teaching and maintaining harmony between Gaelic and Romano-British believers. Celebrations often include prayers at historic church sites and reflections on his missionary zeal.
Erc of Slane Cornwall

Foillan(inNamur)

Commemoration of Saint Foillan, missionary in Anglo-Saxon England and monastic founder in Namur.
Saint Foillan was an Irish monk who accompanied his brother Saint Fursey on missions to East Anglia in the 7th century. After political upheaval, he returned to the Continent and established the monastery of Fosses near Namur in present-day Belgium. Celebrated on October 31, Foillan is remembered for his dedication to monastic life, scholarly work, and pastoral care. His community became a center of prayer and education, attracting pilgrims and students. Today, his memory lives on in the rich liturgical and cultural heritage of Namur.
Foillan Namur

Martin Luther(Anglican Communion)

Commemoration of Martin Luther, initiator of the Protestant Reformation, observed on Reformation Day.
On October 31, Anglican communities remember Martin Luther’s bold act of posting the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which sparked the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s theological insights into grace and faith reshaped the Christian world and led to the formation of new denominations. Anglican liturgies on this day include readings from his writings and hymns based on his translations of scripture. This observance invites reflection on the enduring call for reform and renewal within the church. It highlights the interplay of tradition and innovation in Christian history.
Martin Luther Anglican Communion

Paul Shinji SasakiandPhilip Lindel Tsen(Episcopal Church)

Feast day honoring Bishops Paul Shinji Sasaki and Philip Lindel Tsen, pioneers in the Asian Episcopal Church.
On October 31, the Episcopal Church honors Paul Shinji Sasaki, the first Japanese bishop, and Philip Lindel Tsen, the first Chinese bishop, for their leadership and vision. Both played instrumental roles in establishing local church autonomy and fostering ecumenical relationships in the early 20th century. Their ministries overcame cultural barriers and encouraged theological education. This commemoration celebrates their commitment to Gospel ministry and their legacy in shaping the Church’s mission across Asia. Special services reflect on their pioneering spirit and dedication to building inclusive faith communities.
Paul Shinji Sasaki Philip Lindel Tsen Episcopal Church

Quentin

Feast day of Saint Quentin, a third-century martyr and patron saint of the French town of Saint-Quentin.
Saint Quentin was a Roman missionary who suffered martyrdom around 287 AD in Gaul under the persecution of Emperor Maximian. Celebrated on October 31, he is remembered for his courageous witness to Christ and steadfast faith in the face of torture. The basilica in Saint-Quentin, France, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, attracting pilgrims each year. Liturgical commemorations include readings about his life and hymns recounting his sacrifice. His story inspires believers to stand firm in their convictions and to serve others with courage.
Quentin

BlessedTheodore Romzha(Ruthenian Catholic Church)

Commemoration of Blessed Theodore Romzha, the martyred Bishop of Mukachevo, celebrated in the Ruthenian Catholic Church.
Blessed Theodore Romzha (1911–1947) served as Bishop of Mukachevo during a time of religious persecution under Soviet rule. He courageously defended the Eastern Catholic identity of his flock and resisted forced absorption into the Orthodox Church. On October 31, 1947, he was assassinated by agents of the NKVD, sealing his witness as a martyr. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001, Romzha’s life exemplifies unwavering faith and pastoral care amid oppression. Services today recall his sacrifice and pray for religious freedom worldwide.
Theodore Romzha Ruthenian Catholic Church