Author: florist Jana, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: September 2026
The last evening of October and the first two days of November belong to three different holidays that are easy to confuse: Halloween (October 31), All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). In 2026, All Saints' Day falls on a Sunday and All Souls' Day on a Monday. Here is a short overview of how they differ and where to find practical advice and flowers.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31 into November 1. Its roots go back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, with which the Celts said farewell to summer and welcomed the new year. According to their beliefs, the boundary between the world of the living and the dead faded that night. People lit large bonfires and put on disguises to protect themselves from evil spirits. Today Halloween is celebrated mainly in Anglo-Saxon countries (the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand) and gradually here in the Czech Republic too.
The best-known decoration is a carved pumpkin with a candle inside, and children go trick-or-treating in costumes. You will find floral decorations, such as a pumpkin used as a vase or a wreath for the door, in the article Floral Arrangements for Halloween.
All Saints' Day (November 1)
All Saints' Day honors all saints, not only those the Church has officially declared saints (canonized). Western Christians celebrate it on November 1, while the Eastern churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The day entered Christian tradition in the 7th century and is celebrated today by both the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Church.
In many countries, for example Austria, Poland or Slovakia, November 1 is a public holiday and a day off. In the Czech Republic it is not a public holiday.
All Souls' Day (November 2)
All Souls' Day, in Czech Dušičky, commemorates all the departed. The introduction of the feast is associated with Abbot Odilo of the Benedictine monastery of Cluny in France. The original tradition is connected with the Catholic belief in purgatory, where the souls of the dead go to be cleansed of lesser sins. Prayer and works of mercy could ease their punishment.
According to folk tradition, on the eve of All Souls' Day the souls of the departed rose from purgatory for one night. In Bohemia, the farmer filled the lamp with butter instead of oil so that the souls could soothe their burns. From the 19th century onward graves have been decorated more lavishly: wreaths, cut and potted flowers are laid and candles are lit. With this act of remembrance we think of the loved ones we carry in our hearts.
If you would like flowers or a wreath delivered to a cemetery, order in good time. We deliver directly to the place in Prague and the surrounding area.
Tip from florist Jana (specialist in funeral and All Souls' Day arrangements): "The best flowers for a grave are those that withstand cold and damp, which is why chrysanthemums are traditionally popular for All Souls' Day. When you order delivery, please tell us the cemetery, the grave number and, where relevant, the section, so that the bouquet reaches the right place."
✅ Flowers in premium A1 quality.
✅ Delivery straight to the cemetery in Prague and the surrounding area.
You will find practical advice on choosing in the guide How to Choose Flowers for All Souls' Day. Our chrysanthemums are in the Chrysanthemums category, ready-made funeral bouquets and funeral wreaths have their own categories, and live seasonal bouquets are in the Autumn bouquets category.
Funeral wreath rose and tros rose
6 320 Kč
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day
When are Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in 2026?
Halloween is on Saturday, October 31, All Saints' Day on Sunday, November 1, and All Souls' Day on Monday, November 2, 2026.
What is the difference between All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day?
All Saints' Day (November 1) honors all the saints. All Souls' Day (November 2) commemorates all the departed. In Czech tradition graves are decorated and visited around both days.
Is All Souls' Day a public holiday?
No. In the Czech Republic neither November 1 nor November 2 is a public holiday or a day off.
Can you deliver a wreath or bouquet straight to the cemetery?
Yes, in Prague and the surrounding area we deliver a wreath or bouquet directly to the place. Just give us the exact details of the location.
Team KvětinyExpres.cz
