Particle.news
Download on the App Store

All Saints’ Day Brings ‘Silent Holiday’ Rules in Five German States Today

State-specific limits on entertainment shape retail access, with Dutch stores operating normally.

Overview

  • Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine–Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland observe the November 1 Catholic feast as a legally protected silent holiday.
  • Dance events are prohibited for much of the day, starting as early as 3:00 in Baden-Württemberg and 4:00 in Rhineland-Palatinate, while sports are generally permitted from 11:00.
  • Most shops are closed, with exceptions such as limited hours for bakeries and florists, while gastronomy, museums and zoos may open subject to local rules.
  • Because November 1 falls on a Saturday this year, regular weekend closures overlap with holiday limits, but cross-border shopping remains possible as the Netherlands does not mark the day.
  • Media programming faces additional constraints, with the FSK issuing guidance on films unsuitable for silent holidays.