All Saints Day in Cologne: commemorations and music under heaven

All Saints Day in Cologne: commemorations and music under heaven

On November 1, 2025, All Saints' Day will be celebrated in Cologne and the surrounding area, a Christian high festival that is very popular in the Western Church. Protestant communities in particular invite you to memorable events that offer both space for contemplation and community. On this day, there are various commemorative and musical offerings that provide comfort and spiritual inspiration. Loud Church Cologne The focus is on three main events.

The first in the group is a Protestant mass on the saint's day of remembrance, which begins at 10 a.m. in the Antoniterkirche at Schildergasse 57. Pastor Markus Herzberg will lead this mass, while the Ecumenical Choralschola Cologne, led by Manfred Loevenich, will provide the musical setting with Gregorian chants. An inspiring weekly saying from Ephesians will enrich the celebrations: “You are no longer guests and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.”

Tours and concerts

Anyone who would like to experience the silence and history of the city intensively has the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the Melatenfriedhof. This will take place at 11 a.m. and will be led by Günter Leitner. The topic “The Melatenfriedhof on All Saints’ Day – The City’s Memory” promises a deep insight into the cultural and historical significance of this place. In addition to the tour at 11 a.m., other tours are offered at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is 12 euros, reduced price 10 euros, but registration is required.

In the early afternoon we continue with sacred music in Altenberg Cathedral, where works by Vivaldi, Handel and Mendelssohn will be heard from 2:30 p.m. Under the title “Be still in the Lord” Elisabeth Menke (soprano) accompanied by Rolf Müller (organ) will give a free concert where donations are welcome.

Tradition and meaning

It is undeniable that All Saints' Day plays a major role not only in Cologne. The saint's day is celebrated around the world, although often at different times. In ancient Christianity, there were annual commemorations for the dead, which began in the Eastern Church in the 4th century. The Roman Catholic Church has celebrated this festival tradition since the 10th century and has established it as a high festival, while in Lutheran churches it is also celebrated in red. Interestingly, the day is often celebrated as a quiet holiday where public dancing and loud music are prohibited. Therefore, All Saints Day has a deep cultural and religious anchoring that continues to have an impact today.

In many Catholic countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, All Saints' Day is a public holiday. The custom of giving away All Saints' Striezel is just as much a tradition as the commemoration of the poor souls in purgatory, which is the focus of the following day, All Souls' Day. Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, also has its roots in this festival, which once again shows how deeply interwoven the traditions are.

So whether you take part in the events in Cologne or celebrate the festival with family, All Saints Day offers the opportunity to pause and reflect on the spiritual dimension of life.