Visiting graves on All Saints’ Day has become a custom since World War II. In Finland, the feast draws together the themes of what had been – and elsewhere, still is – observed as two distinct feasts: All Saints’ Day, commemorating the saints and martyrs of Christendom known only to God, and All Souls’ Day, commemorating all who have died in the faith of Christ. It is more common as commemorating your lost loved ones in Finland, visiting graves, going to Church and concerts. 

Candles Light Up Espoo Cemeteries on All Saints’ Day

Thousands of candles will light up Espoo’s cemeteries and church yards on All Saints’ Day, Saturday 1 November. During the day’s events, you can light a candle in memory of a loved one, enjoy musical moments and a a warm drink, or explore angel trails with children.

 All five cemeteries in Espoo will be open around the clock throughout the All Saints’ Day weekend

Espoo parishes’ cemeteries are open 24/7 during the All Saints’ Day weekend.

 “All Saints’ Day gives us permission to pause and reflect on things greater than whether to cook macaroni casserole or salmon today. Amid the rush of Autumn and the greyness of November, it reminds us that there is something beyond ourselves and our everyday lives,” says Pastor Inari Varimo from Espoonlahti Parish. 

Varimo recommends the experiential events of All Saints’ Day to anyone seeking light and hope in the Autumn. Themes of death, which touch us all, are easier to face together than alone.

“We all carry some sorrow – the death of a loved one or something else. On All Saints’ Day, we can grieve together, and that brings hope and support. Grief is not the final word – love is. We wouldn’t grieve if we hadn’t first loved.”

On All Saints’ Day, Espoo’s cemeteries and churchyards fill with candles of longing as people gather to remember their departed loved ones. Candles can be lit at individual graves, and each cemetery also has a memorial site for those buried elsewhere. Some church and chapel yards also have designated places for memorial candles.

Photo by: Anu Kuru 

Encounters, Musical Moments and Angel Trails

Local events will be held across Espoo on All Saints’ Day. For example, at the nature-rich Kellonummi Cemetery, visitors can enjoy warm drinks, and musical devotions from 1 PM to 4 PM. The most activity takes place near the Espoo Cathedral, which is currently under renovation: at the Parish Hall, Pitäjäntupa, and the Church and Chapel cemeteries. At the Cathedral Parish Hall, a café and the pop-up art exhibition Images of Longing and Comfort are open from 11:30 AM to 8 PM. Nearby at Pitäjäntupa, a family-friendly All Saints’ Day is held from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, with candle decorating and angel photo opportunities. At the Church Cemetery, families can explore the angel trail with torches. At the Chapel Cemeteries, from 1 PM to 4 PM, warm drinks are served, staff are available for conversation, and musical moments are offered.

The evening culminates in Candlelight Worship Services and concerts at Espoo churches. During the services, candles are lit in memory of Parish members who have died during the past year, and prayers are offered for their loved ones.
“All Saints’ Day reminds us that death is not the end – we have hope in eternity: that life continues in the heavenly home even after death. That is, in fact, the reason the Church and Christianity exist – because we believe there is more than just this time, humanity, and earthly worries,” says Inari Varimo.

 All Saints’ Day Events on Saturday 1 November at Espoo Cemeteries and Churches

Kellonummi Cemetery

Candle lighting and encounters. From 1 PM to 4 PM, warm drinks, biscuits, and conversations with deacons and pastors at the Chapel of Blessing. Musical and prayer moments at 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PMat the chapel. Address: Kellonummentie 15.

Family All Saints’ Day

At Pitäjäntupa and the nearby Church Cemetery from 10:30 to 4 PM. Take a photo in the angel corner, decorate a candle, and explore the angel music box. Juice, mulled wine and biscuits available. Children can explore the angel trail with torches at the Church Cemetery. Addresses: Kirkonmäentie 1 and 2.

Espoo Cathedral Parish Hall

All Saints’ Day Worship Service at 10 AM. (In Finnish) Café open from 11:30 AM to 8 PM. Images of Longing and Comfort pop-up art exhibition from 10 AM to 8 PM. Candlelight Worship Service at 6 PM. To the Light – Songs of Longing and Comfort at 8 PM. Candles can be lit at the nearby Church and Chapel Cemeteries. Address: Kirkkoranta 2.

Chapel Cemetery

Candle lighting and encounters. From 1 PM to 4 PM, warm drinks, gingerbread, and conversations with parish staff and grief support volunteers. Musical moments at 2 PM and 3 PM at the Chapel of Blessing, led by Cantor Elja Puukko. Address: Pappilantie 12.

Olari Church and Gräsan Urn Grove

All Saints’ Day Worship Service at 10 AM at Olari Church. (In FInnish) Candle lighting and encounters from 12 noon to 6 PM at Gräsan Urn Grove. Warm drinks and conversations with a pastor or deacon. All Saints’ Day trail for children and the young at heart – bring a torch and explore at your own pace. Candlelight Worship Service at 18:00. Address: Rälssitilankuja 1.

Tapiola Church and Urn Grove

Worship Service at 10 AM at Tapiola Church. (In Finnish) Candle lighting and encounters from 13:00 to 20:00, with staff present and warm drinks served at the Urn Grove. Candlelight Worship Service at 6 PM and concert at 7 PM at Tapiola Church: Martín Palmer – MISATANGO / Misa a Buenos Aires. Address: Kirkkopolku 6.

Leppävaara Church

All Saints’ Day Worship Service at 11 AM at Leppävaara Church. (in Finnish)  From 1 PM to 6 PM, candle lighting, warm drinks, and parish staff available in the church courtyard. Candles can be placed by the fountain and on the stone steps. Candlelight Worship Service at 17:00. Address: Veräjäkallionkatu 2.

Espoonlahti Church

All Saints’ Day Worship Service at 11 AM (In FInnish). Candlelight Worship Service at 6 PM. Candles can be lit in memory of departed loved ones at the candle wall in the church lobby. Address: Kipparinkatu 8.