All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day, known as *Fetin'ny Olomasina* in Malagasy, is a significant religious and cultural holiday celebrated in Madagascar on November 1st. It is a day dedicated to honoring and remembering deceased loved ones, reflecting the strong connection between the living and the ancestors in Malagasy culture. Families gather to visit cemeteries, where they clean and decorate graves with flowers, candles, and other offerings. This act of remembrance is deeply rooted in the Malagasy tradition of ancestor veneration, which plays a central role in the island's spiritual beliefs. In addition to cemetery visits, many attend church services to pray for the souls of the departed. The day is marked by a sense of reverence and community, as people come together to share meals, stories, and memories of those who have passed away. All Saints' Day in Madagascar is a poignant blend of Christian practices and indigenous customs, highlighting the country's unique cultural heritage and the enduring importance of family ties and ancestral respect.