Remembrance Day in Cologne: All Saints Day with music, consolation and community

Remembrance Day in Cologne: All Saints Day with music, consolation and community

On November 1, 2025, a special day of remembrance is just around the corner in Cologne, as All Saints' Day is celebrated at numerous events in the region's Protestant communities. The focus is particularly on memories and commemoration of the deceased, which are particularly important in times that are currently characterized by loss, such as those who died from Corona. The events offer space for contemplation and consolation, an opportunity for community and reflection on what is important to us. The sanctity of life and the culture of remembrance are celebrated in church services and concerts kirche-koeln.de reported.

A highlight that will attract many is the Protestant mass on the saint's day of remembrance, which takes place at 10 a.m. in the Antoniterkirche at Schildergasse 57. Pastor Markus Herzberg, together with the Ecumenical Choralschola Cologne, led by Manfred Loevenich, will create a very special atmosphere with Gregorian chants. The weekly saying from Ephesians, “You are no longer guests and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,” will give participants a message of comfort and belonging.

Memory and community

A tour of the Melatenfriedhof is on the program at 11 a.m., during which Günter Leitner will introduce the participants to the topic “The Melatenfriedhof on All Saints’ Day – the memory of the city”. The meeting point is the funeral hall on Piusstrasse. For those who still have a little more time, further guided tours are offered at 1 and 3 p.m. A participation fee of 12 euros, reduced to 10 euros, applies to those interested, but they should register in advance.

The musical performance in Altenberg Cathedral at 2:30 p.m. rounds off the day. Works by Vivaldi, Handel and Mendelssohn are presented here by the soprano Elisabeth Menke and the organist Rolf Müller. The concert is titled “Be Still in the Lord” and admission is free, although donations are welcome. These musical experiences not only provide the framework for commemoration, but also a moment of devotion and pause, like this Archdiocese of Cologne explained.

Tradition and customs

The holiday of All Saints, also known as Sollemnitas Omnium Sanctorum, has a long tradition. It is celebrated as a high holiday in the Roman Catholic Church and is a public holiday in many European countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This day was originally set on November 1st in the 8th century by Pope Gregory IV, a decision that has remained in place in the Western Church to this day Wikipedia reported. In addition to commemorating the saints, the focus is also on remembering our dead, which is promoted through prayers and community rituals during these days. The customs also include culinary traditions such as All Saints' Striezel, which is given as a gift in many regions.

At a time when grief is often experienced in silence, many are asking for space to grieve and for strength to help others in need. The desire for consolation and hope for a community with God and the saints characterize this day. All Saints Day becomes not only a day of remembrance, but also a festival of hope and togetherness. Take the opportunity to find comfort and inspiration in these contemplative days!