All Saints Day

All Saints Day, which precedes All Souls' Day by one day, is a religious feast observed by many Christian churches. It celebrates all the saints. It occurs on November 1 in the West. Its present form dates from the time of Pope Gregory III in the mid-700s. Halloween got its name from All Saints' Day, being the Hallowed Eve(ning) before All Saints' Day.

In Spanish it is known as "Dia de Muertos", and it is a World Heritage (a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage) by UNESCO. In Mexico it is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. In Portuguese it is "Dia dos Finados".

Sources

• The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Penguin Group, 1989.
• Dia de Muertos UNESCO In the Spotlight: Education and Culture. (Spanish-English)