On All Souls’ Day, November 2, Italians take flowers to cemeteries to honour their deceased relatives. Florists do a roaring trade and cemeteries come alive with people.
Far from being a gloomy event, it is quite festive. People dress up and stroll around looking at the graves. Cemeteries look beautiful with colourful flowers decorating the tombs. Graves are generally well kept anyway, but this is special.
This is a lovely tradition. How nice to think that someone cared enough to keep your grave clean and tidy and bring flowers sometimes.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
You are right, Deb. Mor of a festivity than a day of mourning. And perhaps it is the right approach …
It is really a celebration of life, rather than mourning the death.
I love this idea, although many Americans do something similar on May 31, Memorial Day in the US. I do wonder though, as we typically visit Italy in May or September, and the cemeteries in those months look tired, with dusty, dirty plastic flowers etc. I am guessing if we went in Nov or Dec we would see the result of Nov. 1. E` vero?
I find the cemeteries in this area are well kept most of the year. Of course, they are looking their best right now.
Isn’t that the cemetery at Gallicano you phographed?
Yes, it is. I pass it often on my way to Casa Debbio. It is a particularly lovely cemetery. I also like the one in Fornoli and the one in Crasciana has magnificent views.
You are right Debra….cemetries are mostly very well kept in the area. What a lovely tradition of remembrance.
I like the way people honour their relatives, there should be more of it.
Another beautiful tradition that the Italians do so well
The day visiting departed relatives is a lovely family outing. I like it.
I love cemeteries in general…but the ones in Italy are fab! Have you ever been to the Monumental cemetery in Milan? WONDERFUL! Anyway….your photos are beautiful….
I haven’t been to the one in Milan, but I will definitely go there next time I am in Milan.