Svi sveti 2026: preparing the grave in Croatia in time — even from abroad
On the evening of 1 November, Croatia's cemeteries turn into a sea of candlelight. For your family's grave to glow with dignity too, preparation starts weeks earlier. Here is the complete timeline — for those who are there, and for those who take care of it from far away.
By Manuel Schuetterle, Founder of Oaza Mira · July 19, 2026
The most important remembrance day of the year
Svi sveti (All Saints' Day, 1 November) and Dušni dan (All Souls' Day, 2 November) are more than holidays in Croatia: they are the days the whole country returns to its departed. Families travel from every region, the cemeteries fill, and in the evening tens of thousands of candles glow above the graves.
That is why an untended or dark grave hurts on Svi sveti — and a tended, glowing one consoles. The days before traditionally belong to cleaning and decorating: chrysanthemums, wreaths and candles as far as the eye can see.
The checklist: what should be done by 1 November
First the foundation: clean the headstone and borders, remove leaves and weeds — after the summer, dust, moss and weather have left their marks. Second the decoration: chrysanthemums as the classic All Saints' flower, a dignified wreath, fresh arrangements. Third the light: candles and lanterns burning on the evening of 1 November.
Good to know: the last week of October is peak season at every cemetery. Those who only start then find full cemeteries, sold-out flower stands — and fully booked caretakers.
The timeline: when to book what
In September you plan the deep clean — it can be done calmly, and the grave is then ready for decorating. Early to mid October is the ideal time for the cleaning itself. In the last week of October the fresh things arrive at the grave: flowers, wreath and candles — in time for everything to be ready on the evening of Svi sveti.
Book early: caretaker capacity around All Saints' Day is limited too. Those who order in September or early October have the certainty their grave is taken care of — not on a waiting list.
From abroad: how to be part of it without being there
For millions of Croats in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Australia and everywhere in the world, Svi sveti is the day distance weighs heaviest: the whole family is at the cemetery — except you. And your own parents' grave stays dark if nobody thinks of it.
With Oaza Mira you think of it without being there: you book cleaning, candles, flowers or a wreath in the app, a verified local caretaker takes care of everything in time — and on the evening of Svi sveti the photo shows you the light burning on your family's grave. Invite your siblings and relatives into the app too: remembering together, caring together — however many countries the family is spread across.
Dušni dan and beyond: keeping the light burning
On 2 November, Dušni dan, prayers are traditionally said for the souls of all the departed — many families keep the candles burning on both days. And afterwards? The year holds more moments that deserve a light: the anniversary of death, the birthday, Christmas.
Set up the occasions once in the app and you never have to think of a date again — we do. Your family's grave stays accompanied with dignity all year round, not only on All Saints' Day.
Secure your place before Svi sveti
Register the grave now, book cleaning, candles and wreath in time — and on 1 November see in the photo how your family's light burns.
Prepare now