All Souls Day is a public holiday in Macau. Every year on November 2nd, this holiday allows the public to visit their deceased relatives or rest from work and business.
As the general population takes a break on this day, it’s common to see many give alms and pray for the dead or those in purgatory.
All Souls Day 2024 Dates, Meaning, History, Macau Public Holiday
Some of the notable Catholic churches around Macau that you can visit on this holiday include the Saint Francis Xavier Chapel, St. Dominic’s Church, Chapel of Our Lady of Penha, and the Our Lady of Guidance Church, among others.
The history of All Souls Day is strongly linked to purgatory, a concept in Catholic doctrines stating that some people may suffer in despair after dying for sins they have not been forgiven for. That’s why many find this day important, as it gives people a chance to pray for deceased loved ones and help them purge their sins.
While many businesses close in observance of this day, numerous tourist attractions such as restaurants and hotels are still open. Visitors can dine out with family and friends or even shop after saying prayers.
It comes after All Saints’ Day on November 1st and Halloween the day before. This three-day holiday is usually observed all at once, with its origins starting in Europe, where it travelled to Portugal and was eventually brought to Macau by Catholic priests.
Whether Catholic or not, this is a wonderful time to visit the country and enjoy a restful break from what would otherwise be hoards of people busy on the street or commuting to work. It’s a chance to see the quiet side of Macau.
All Souls Day is an important and revered holiday that offers the opportunity to witness a quieter Macau.
