Il Giorno dei Morti — All Souls’ Day in Italy 2026

On November 2, Italians observe Il Giorno dei Morti, also known as La Commemorazione dei Defunti, or All Souls’ Day. Much like Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, it is a day devoted to remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away. Following Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) on November 1, families throughout Italy visit cemeteries, clean and decorate graves with flowers—particularly chrysanthemums—and light candles in remembrance. Churches hold special Masses and prayers for the departed.

The day also has a particularly charming place in the traditions of Italian children. In Sicily, an old custom holds that departed relatives return during the night, leaving sweets, toys, and small gifts for children. In parts of southern Italy, families prepare special treats associated with the occasion, while elsewhere regional pastries and biscuits known as ossa dei morti, or “bones of the dead,” appear in bakeries. In parts of Sardinia, children go door to door receiving treats in memory of the souls of the departed. These traditions offer children a gentle introduction to the idea that those who have died remain part of the family's story.

Although customs vary from region to region, Il Giorno dei Morti remains an occasion for families to gather, share memories, and honor the generations that came before them. Like Día de los Muertos, it reminds us that remembrance need not be solely an expression of sorrow, but can also be a celebration of love, family, and the enduring presence of those we have lost.