Extended Opening Hours in Budapest’s Cemeteries During All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days
As autumn paints Budapest in golden hues, the city prepares to honor its departed with reverence and tradition. The BTI Funeral Division of Budapest Public Utilities Division continues its commitment to ensuring that families and visitors can pay their respects in dignity during the solemn period of Mindenszentek (All Saints) and halottak napja (All Souls Day).
Extended Opening Hours for Comfort and Convenience
From October 30 to November 2, 2025, the city’s main cemeteries—including the renowned Új Köztemető, Óbuda, Budafok, Csepel, Kispest, Megyer, Pestszentlőrinc, Tamás Street urn cemetery, Farkasréti, among several others—will welcome visitors daily from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM. These extended hours allow ample time for loved ones to arrive, reflect, and honor those who have passed in a peaceful setting.
Collective Candle Lighting and Religious Commemorations
A deeply moving tradition will take place on November 1 at 4:00 PM in the Új Köztemető, Farkasréti, and Óbuda cemeteries, where attendees will join in a communal candle lighting, resonating with the nationwide IV. Országos Mindenszenteki Mécsesgyújtás (National All Saints Candle Lighting).
Religious services play a significant role during this time, with various Catholic, Evangelical, and ecumenical ceremonies scheduled throughout these cemeteries. From morning masses to afternoon memorials, these rituals provide meaningful moments for collective remembrance and spiritual solace.
Enhanced Services for Visitors
To accommodate the increased number of visitors, the BTI Funeral Division extends the operating hours of on-site service offices from October 27 to November 1, welcoming guests from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Here, services such as grave maintenance, renewing burial rights, purchasing grave markers, and general inquiries will be available. Additionally, in Farkasréti Cemetery, special arrangements for installment payments regarding grave renewals will be offered on October 31 and November 1.
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Managing Vehicle Access and Parking
Ensuring peace throughout the cemeteries is a priority. Therefore, vehicle entry is prohibited in most cemeteries from October 31 through November 2, mirroring last year’s measures. The notable exception is Új Köztemető, where controlled, free vehicle access is allowed between 7:00 AM on October 31 and 8:00 PM on November 2, adjusted depending on visitor traffic.
Special shuttle services will assist elderly visitors and those accessing distant plots during peak hours, while vehicles carrying disabled permit holders can enter with minimal restrictions, provided pedestrian congestion allows. Visitors are warmly encouraged to travel using public transport whenever feasible, as parking near the cemeteries is limited and traffic congestion is significant during this period.
Public Transportation and Enhanced Security
The city’s public transport operator, BKK, will increase service frequency to help visitors navigate the busy period with ease. Furthermore, to maintain safety and order, an increased presence of security personnel will patrol the cemeteries, supported by local police, public area supervisors, and volunteer patrols.
Embracing Tradition with Thoughtfulness
These carefully planned measures reflect Budapest’s dedication to honoring its traditions delicately while accommodating the needs of modern visitors. For foreign tourists seeking to experience or participate in Mindenszentek and halottak napja, understanding these logistics and cultural practices will enrich your visit, allowing for a respectful and meaningful connection to Hungarian customs.
Additional details and updates on cemetery access and services can be found on the official BTI website at bti.budapestikozmuvek.hu, providing a valuable resource for planning your commemorative visit during this poignant time of year.
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