Ever woken up on November 1st feeling like the world just shifted gears? One minute it’s all sugar rushes and plastic skeletons, and the next, there’s this weird, heavy silence in the air. People usually ask what day is the 1st of november because they’re trying to plan a long weekend or figure out if the banks are closed.
Honestly, it’s a valid question. Depending on the year, it could be the start of a cozy Saturday or a dreaded Monday morning. In 2025, November 1st lands on a Saturday. If you’re looking ahead to 2026, it’s a Sunday.
But there is so much more to this date than just a slot on a digital calendar. It is basically the "Monday" of the holiday season—the official gateway into the end-of-year madness.
The Cultural Heavyweight: All Saints’ Day
Most people know November 1st as All Saints’ Day. It’s a massive deal in Catholic and Anglican circles. Basically, back in the 8th century, Pope Gregory III decided we needed a day to honor every single saint, especially the ones who didn't get their own personal feast day.
He dedicated a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica on November 1st, and the date just stuck.
In places like France or Spain, it’s a public holiday. People don’t just sit around, though. They head to cemeteries with armfuls of chrysanthemums. It’s a bit of a vibe shift from the night before. While October 31st is about scaring the living, November 1st is about remembering the dead.
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Is it the same as Day of the Dead?
Kinda, but not exactly.
Día de los Muertos actually kicks off on November 1st, but that specific day is often called Día de los Inocentes to honor children who have passed. The "main" Day of the Dead is actually November 2nd (All Souls' Day).
It’s easy to get them tangled up because they’re all part of the same "Hallowtide" season. In Mexico, the 1st is vibrant. There are marigolds everywhere. People build ofrendas (altars) and leave out favorite foods for spirits. It isn't spooky; it’s a family reunion where some of the guests just happen to be ghosts.
What Day Is the 1st of November in History?
If you think this day is just about religion, you've got another thing coming. Some wild stuff has happened on this date.
- 1512: Michelangelo finally showed off the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Imagine the neck cramp that guy had after four years.
- 1755: A massive earthquake and tsunami absolutely leveled Lisbon, Portugal. It was one of the deadliest in history, killing tens of thousands.
- 1800: John Adams moved into the White House. He was the first president to live there. It wasn't even finished yet—the walls were still damp.
- 1993: The European Union was officially born as the Maastricht Treaty took effect.
It’s a day of beginnings and endings. The First Medical School for Women opened in Boston on this day in 1848. Shakespeare’s Othello was performed for the first time in 1604. Basically, history loves a November 1st launch.
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The Seasonal Shift
Weather-wise, November 1st is a bit of a "pick a side" day. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the unofficial start of "Stir-up Sunday" prep and the time when you realize your light jacket isn't going to cut it anymore.
Astronomically, we’re halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. This is what pagans call a "cross-quarter day." The ancient Celts called it Samhain. They believed the veil between our world and the spirit world was at its thinnest.
If you feel a bit more introspective or "witchy" on this day, there’s a literal ancient reason for it.
The Scorpio Vibe
Astrologically, we’re deep in Scorpio season. November 1st is usually about intensity and transformation. If you're into horoscopes, this day often marks a time for "killing off" old habits to make room for new ones.
It’s also the start of Movember. You’ve probably seen the sudden influx of questionable mustaches. It started as a way to raise awareness for men’s health—prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. So if your buddy looks like a 70s detective all of a sudden, now you know why.
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Real-World Impact: What’s Open?
If you’re in the U.S., it’s a normal business day for the most part. Schools are open, and mail gets delivered.
However, in many parts of Europe, Latin America, and the Philippines, everything shuts down. Banks, government offices, and even some grocery stores close their doors. If you’re traveling in Italy or Poland on November 1st, don’t expect to get much "errand running" done.
Instead, expect traffic. Lots of it. Everyone is on the road heading to family plots to light candles. In Poland, cemeteries are so lit up with thousands of jars of candles that you can see the glow from miles away. It’s genuinely beautiful.
How to Handle November 1st Like a Pro
Don’t let the post-Halloween slump get to you. Use this day to reset.
- Check your calendar. If you're a business owner or working with international clients, remember that half the world might be OOO.
- Ditch the candy. Seriously. Your teeth will thank you.
- Audit your "To-Do" list. Since it's the start of a new month, it’s the perfect time to look at your goals before the December chaos hits.
- Buy the discounted pumpkins. If you like baking, November 1st is the "Black Friday" of pumpkins. They're basically giving them away.
Whether you're visiting a grave, starting a new workout routine, or just trying to figure out if you have work tomorrow, the 1st of November is a powerhouse of a day. It’s the bridge between the harvest and the hearth.
Take a second to breathe before the holiday rush starts. Check your local bank holidays if you're traveling, and maybe light a candle for someone you miss. It’s what the day was built for.
Next Steps for You
- Verify the specific day of the week for the current year to ensure your scheduling is accurate.
- Update your international meeting invites if you have colleagues in Europe or Latin America who observe All Saints' Day.
- Prepare your "Movember" participation or support if you plan to engage in men's health awareness this month.