November 1st — Svi Sveti, or All Saints’ Day — holds deep cultural and emotional meaning for Croatians. It’s not just a public holiday; it’s one of the most solemn and unifying days of the year.
Across the country, from bustling cities to quiet villages, families gather to honour their loved ones who have passed away. Cemeteries fill with people carrying flowers, mostly chrysanthemums, and lighting thousands of flickering candles that turn graveyards into glowing seas of remembrance.
Shops close, offices fall silent, and even traffic slows as people travel to their hometowns to visit family graves. It’s a moment of togetherness, reflection, and quiet respect — a day when time seems to pause, if only for a while.
All Saints’ Day is followed on November 2nd by All Souls’ Day (Dušni dan), when prayers are offered specifically for the faithful departed. Together, the two days remind Croatians of the country’s strong spiritual traditions and enduring connection to family and ancestry.