Today, November 1, 2023, like every year, All Saints’ Day takes place, a celebration that dates back centuries.
The specific origins are uncertain, but since 313, the year in which the Edict of Milan was promulgated, through which Christianity was legitimized in the Roman Empire, a common festival for all Saints was established in various places. For example, in the city of Edessa, present-day Turkey, it took place on May 13, while in the West a commemoration was held on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
This was due to the need to establish a festival to honor the large number of martyrs left by the persecutions that Christians suffered, such as that of Emperor Dioceclan (284-305), also called the Great Persecution.
Regarding the date of November 1, according to some accounts, Pope Gregory III (731-741) dedicated that day a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica in honor of All Saints. This led to the date becoming the official date to celebrate the day in Rome.
Regarding its establishment in all places, it was Pope Gregory IV (827-844) who officially declared November 1 as the Feast of All Saints in the year 835, which at that time was celebrated on May 13.
According to some theories, the choice was not random, as it was aimed at ending another pagan celebration that coincided with this same date.
It often happens that All Saints’ Day is confused with All Souls’ Day, also known as All Souls’ Day or All Souls’ Day. However, these are different festivities.
All Saints’ Day to honor both known and unknown saints. A special memory is made to all those who live in the presence of God.
For its part, All Souls’ Day is celebrated on November 2 and honors the memory of those who no longer continue in earthly life. The Church seeks to dedicate this day to prayer for all souls.
Beyond the tradition of going to the cemetery on All Saints’ Day to bring flowers to the deceased, some Spanish regions and cities celebrate this day with very diverse festivals.
In the Canary Islands, the Finaos festival brings the family together around the table where stories and anecdotes about the deceased are remembered. In Galicia, the Basque Country or Catalonia, chestnuts are roasted over the fire under the traditions of Samhain, Gaztañerre Eguna and the Castanyada festival respectively.
On the other hand, in the municipality of Begígar (Jaén) one of the most curious celebrations takes place. The residents of the town go out to the streets to cover the locks of their houses with porridge since in the past it was thought that this was how they scared away evil spirits.
