All Saints' Day, celebrated every year on 1 November, is a Christian festival that honours all saints, known and unknown.
In Belgium, and more particularly in Brussels, this day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the dead in a spirit of meditation and reflection.
Although All Saints' Day is not celebrated with as much festivity as some other holidays, it remains an important moment for many Belgian families.
Let's discover the main traditions of All Saints' Day in Brussels, from visiting cemeteries to the importance of flowers.
1. Visiting cemeteries to honour the dead
One of the most deeply rooted traditions in Belgian All Saints' Day culture is visiting the cemeteries.
In Brussels, families often visit the graves of their loved ones to clean them and decorate them with flowers, mainly chrysanthemums, which symbolise eternity.
Brussels cemeteries, such as Laeken and Ixelles, are transformed into flower-filled places of remembrance, where people come to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed away.
If you want to experience this tradition, we recommend visiting the cemeteries a few days before or after All Saints' Day, as 1 November can be a very busy day.
2. All Saints' Day Flowers: Symbols of Remembrance
In Belgium, the emblematic flower of All Saints' Day is undoubtedly the chrysanthemum.
This hardy, long-lasting flower is traditionally placed on the graves of the deceased to express remembrance and respect.
In Brussels, it's common to see markets and florists filling their stalls with Chrysanthemums in a variety of colours, from white and purple to yellow and orange.
People buy these flowers to decorate their graves, but also to decorate their homes during this period.
Tip: If you want to buy flowers for All Saints' Day, the Flagey and Sainte-Catherine markets offer a wide selection of chrysanthemums and other autumnal plants.
3. Religious ceremonies in Brussels
All Saints' Day is an important religious festival for Catholic Christians in Belgium. In Brussels, many churches, such as the Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule and theÉglise Notre-Dame de Laeken, organise special masses for the occasion.
These masses are an opportunity to pray for the souls of the deceased and to gather as a community.
Believers often attend these ceremonies before or after their visit to the cemetery.
Tip: If you wish to attend an All Saints' mass in Brussels, check the times in advance, as some churches offer several services during the day.
4. Family meals for All Saints' Day
Although All Saints' Day is first and foremost a day of mourning, it is also a special time to get together as a family.
After visiting the cemetery or attending mass, Belgian families often get together for a traditional meal.
This convivial occasion is an opportunity to share memories, honour the memory of the departed and spend time together.
The dishes served vary from family to family, but it's common to see seasonal dishes such as roasts, pot-au-feu, or desserts based on apples or pears, typical autumn fruits in Belgium.
Recommended for : Those who want to discover the Belgian culinary tradition at an intimate family gathering.
5. Day of the Dead: An extension of All Saints' Day
In Belgium, All Saints‘ Day (1 November) and All Souls’ Day (2 November) are often confused or celebrated together.
While All Saints‘ Day is dedicated to the saints, All Souls’ Day is specifically devoted to commemorating all the dead.
Many families in Brussels extend their visits to the cemetery and their moments of meditation over two days, creating a strong link between these two celebrations.
Some churches organise special ceremonies for the Day of the Dead, with prayers dedicated to the souls of the departed.
Take advantage of this period to visit Brussels' churches and cemeteries, which are often open to visitors with exhibitions or commemorative events.
6. Regional Traditions and Local Variations
Although Brussels is the capital, each region of Belgium has its own nuances when it comes to celebrating All Saints' Day.
For example, in some parts of the country it is traditional to hand out sweets or pastries to children, a custom that has its origins in ancient beliefs aimed at appeasing the spirits of the dead.
In Brussels, this tradition is less common, but you will sometimes see stalls selling pastries with special treats for All Saints' Day, such as apple tarts or speculoos.
This activity is recommended for curious people who want to explore local traditions and taste Belgian specialities.
7. A stroll through the memorial parks and gardens
In addition to the cemeteries, Brussels has many parks and gardens where you can pay your respects and enjoy the autumn calm.
Places like Parc Léopold, Parc de Laeken and Jardin Jean-Félix Hap are perfect green spaces for a stroll after a day of commemoration.
At this time of year, the autumn colours sublimate these places, adding a soothing and contemplative touch to the day.
After a visit to the cemetery, treat yourself to a walk in one of these parks to enjoy the beauty of autumn in Brussels.
Practical tips for enjoying All Saints' Day in Brussels
- Plan your visits: Cemeteries and churches can be very busy on 1 November, especially in the morning. It is advisable to plan your visits outside peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds.
- Buy your flowers in advance: Chrysanthemums are in great demand at this time of year, so it's best to buy them a few days before All Saints' Day.
- Take time to reflect: Whether you're a believer or not, All Saints' Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. The many green spaces and places of meditation in Brussels offer opportunities for meditation.
All Saints' Day in Brussels is a festival marked by sobriety and respect, but also by rich traditions that pay tribute to the deceased while celebrating family ties.
Whether through visits to the cemetery, decorating tombs with chrysanthemums, family meals or religious ceremonies, this time of year is a time of meditation deeply rooted in Belgian culture. Make the most of this day to discover these traditions and take part in the collective tribute that the people of Brussels pay to their loved ones.