All Saints’ Day in Benin
All Saints’ Day is a legal holiday throughout Benin, fixed by law on November 1. The law classifies legal holidays as non-working and paid; a Beninese institutional greeting describes the feast as a time to honor saints known and unknown and to reflect.[1][2]
Legal status and date
Benin’s Law No. 90-019 lists November 1 as the Day of All Saints among the country’s legal holidays. The law applies across the national territory and states that legal holidays are non-working and paid.[1]
The law names a fixed calendar date rather than a movable feast. It does not set out an alternate day when November 1 falls on a Sunday. Check opening hours with shops, banks or transport operators before you go.[1]
What the feast means
In Catholic tradition, All Saints’ Day honors the whole community of saints, including people not individually named in the Church calendar. A homily published by the Holy See describes the feast as celebrating the multitude of saints, including those known only to God.[3]
The feast is described as an occasion to honor known and anonymous saints, reflection, recollection, and gratitude.[2]
A public holiday in a diverse country
All Saints’ Day appears in the same legal list as civic and religious holidays.[1] Visitors should not assume that everyone attends a service or marks the day religiously.
Check with a local parish for its service schedule. Ask locally about All Saints’ Day events, customs, regional traditions or customary dishes.[1]
Planning for the day
Government offices are closed on this non-working, paid legal holiday. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
All Saints’ Day in Benin: FAQs
Is All Saints’ Day a public holiday in Benin?
Yes. Benin’s law lists it as a legal holiday throughout the country and says legal holidays are non-working and paid.[1]
When is All Saints’ Day observed?
The law fixes All Saints’ Day on November 1 each year.[1]
Is there a substitute day if November 1 falls on a Sunday?
The law lists November 1 but does not specify an alternate day for this holiday. The official calendar lists no substitute day.[1]
What is open on the holiday?
The day is a non-working, paid legal holiday. Check with the office, shop, attraction or transport operator you plan to use.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for All Saints' Day in Benin:
- Loi N° 90-019 du 27 juil. 1990 — Loi fixant les Fêtes Légales en République du Bénin- Secrétariat général du Gouvernement du Bénin
- Bonne Célébration de la Toussaint !- MCA Bénin Régional
- 1 November 2000, Solemnity of All Saints- The Holy See