November 01

Holidays & Observances - Culture & Arts Related

All Saints' Day, aholy day of obligationin some areas (anational holidayin many historicallyCatholic countries), and its related observance:

Day of the Innocents, The first day ofDay of the DeadorEl Dia de los Muertoscelebration. (Mexico,Haiti)

All Saints' Day is a Christian feast honoring all saints and martyrs, observed as a public holiday in many historically Catholic countries. It also marks the first day of Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico and parts of Latin America.
All Saints' Day has been celebrated since the early centuries of the Church to honor all known and unknown saints. It is observed on November 1 by Catholics worldwide and is a public holiday in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. The tradition honors martyrs and saints, and follows All Hallows' Eve on October 31. In Mexico and other Latin American nations, it marks the start of Día de los Muertos festivities, a vibrant cultural celebration of ancestors. Families create altars with photos, marigolds, and offerings to remember loved ones. The day combines solemn liturgical services with colorful processions and folk customs, blending religious devotion with cultural heritage.
All Saints' Day holy day of obligation national holiday Catholic countries Day of the Innocents Day of the Dead Haiti

Chavang Kut(Mizo peopleofNortheast India,Bangladesh,Burma)

Chavang Kut is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated by the Mizo people of Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Burma on November 1.
This annual festival gives thanks for a bountiful harvest and marks the end of the agricultural season. Community members gather to enjoy traditional rice beer, communal feasts of rice, meat, and local vegetables, and lively folk dances and songs. Young and old alike participate in cultural competitions, traditional games, and sharing of home-brewed spirits. The festival strengthens community bonds and preserves Mizo cultural heritage. Colorful attire and bamboo huts called 'Zawlbuk' are erected for celebrations and rituals. Chavang Kut highlights the deep connection between the Mizo people and their land, emphasizing gratitude and togetherness.
Chavang Kut Mizo people Northeast India Bangladesh Burma

Calan Gaeaf, celebrations start at sunset ofOctober 31. (Wales)

A traditional Welsh Celtic festival marking the beginning of winter, celebrated from sunset on October 31 with folklore, bonfires, and divination rituals.
Calan Gaeaf, meaning the first day of winter in Welsh, originates from ancient Celtic customs in Wales. Starting at sunset on October 31, communities light bonfires and hearth fires to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the harvest’s end. Folklore includes performing divination rituals using apples, nuts, and mirrors to glimpse fortunes for the coming year. Participants may carve pumpkins or kale into lanterns, an early form of jack-o’-lanterns, and tell stories by firelight. Traditions also involve wearing masks and costumes to confuse wandering spirits until dawn. Calan Gaeaf shares roots with the Gaelic Samhain and has experienced a revival in modern neopagan and cultural heritage events. Festivities often feature traditional music, dance, and storytelling, connecting participants with Welsh ancestral traditions.
Calan Gaeaf October 31 Wales