The festivity dates back to the 11th century, when the abbot of Cluny created a special day to honor believers who died when Christianity was still considered a sect and persecutions and executions were frequent. By the 13th century, the Roman Catholic Church established Nov. 1 as All Saints’ Day.In Spain, “the kingdoms of León, Aragón and Castile prepared sweets and breads similar to relics, which are the remains or bones of saints,” Martínez said.